Education Specialist Credential - Application Process

To be admitted to one of the SFSU Education Specialist Preliminary Level I or Professional Clear Level II Credential programs, candidates are evaluated by the university and by faculty members within the Department of Special Education.

Applicants for University-recommended Education Specialist Credentials must meet all state and University requirements as following:

CBEST: Applicants must take all portions of the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test). Completion of CBEST is required prior to admission. For information concerning the CBEST go online to www.cbest.nesinc.com. Candidates applying for the fall semster should take CBEST by February. Candidates applying for the spring semester should take CBEST by August.

Subject Matter Competency: (Early Childhood and Orientation and Mobility are exempt from this requirement). The California Commision on Teacher Credentialing requires that Education Specialist candidates prove they possess a body of appropriate knowledge that reflects the California State Standards. There are two ways candidates can prove their competancy: 1) Take the appropriate state test, or 2) Complete appropriate subject matter coursework. Please contact the Credential Services Teacher Preparation Center for further clarity, (415) 405-3594, or go to the CSET website at www.cset.nesinc.com.

Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation. Letters should come from a source familiar with the applicant’s teaching or overall potential and ability as a prospective teacher. Letters should be typed on professional letterhead with original signatures. Letters from relatives are not acceptable.

Original Transcripts: Applicants must submit 2 sets of original transcripts from all universities attended (1 to the department, 1 to the University).

GPA: The minimum GPA accepted for credential applicants is 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post baccalaureate coursework or at least 2.75 in the last 60 units.

Early Field Experience: Candidates shall have demonstrated suitable aptitude for teaching in public schools by demonstrating they have fulfilled a minimum reuirement of 45 hours of early field experience prior to applying to an Education Specialist Credential. The early field experience must represent your emphasis choice and be in the kind of environment that matches the credential you are seeking.

Statement of Purpose: Applicants must submit a typed essay in which the candidate outlines reasons for wanting to enter the selected program area. Include descriptions of experiences that led you to consider the area of study as well as short term and long term goals relative to service to the profession
in the years ahead.

Program faculty for consideration for program acceptance will review applications meeting the above criteria. Admission to an Education Specialist Level I program is based upon information from the sources listed above as judged by the faculty of the Department of Special Education.