Teaching Credential, 2042 Single Subject

With a Single Subject Teaching Credential, you’re cleared to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most California middle schools and high schools, in grades K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. For most, earning this credential is the last hurdle to clear before becoming an English teacher, biology teacher, or other subject teacher in traditional secondary schools (middle and high school). To earn the credential, students must complete a combination of coursework and in-person teaching (either as an intern or as a student teacher).

To earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential in California, there are several key requirements candidates must fulfill. These requirements are designed to ensure teachers are well-prepared to provide high-quality education to students in their specialized subject area. Here are the main requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree — Candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. If you want your degree to satisfy the single subject you choose for your credential, it will have to align with one of the CTC-approved subjects. Otherwise, additional coursework could be necessary to attain proficiency in that subject.
• Completion of a Teacher Preparation Program — Aspiring teachers must complete a CTC-approved single subject teacher preparation program, including an internship (where you are the teacher of record in the classroom) or student teaching.
• Demonstrate Subject Matter Competency — Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the subject they plan to teach. This can be achieved either by completing a CTC-approved subject matter program or by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in the relevant subject area.
• Pass the Basic Skills Requirement — Candidates must demonstrate basic skills proficiency by passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an equivalent exam.
• U.S. Constitution Requirement — Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. Constitution by completing a college-level course or passing an examination.
• Develop English Language Skills — Teachers must complete comprehensive reading instruction that includes the study of reading comprehension, literature, and other content area texts.
• Clearance of Background Check — Candidates must undergo fingerprinting and receive clearance from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Health Clearance — Candidates must provide proof of a negative tuberculosis test within the past 60 days.
• Application and Fees — Submit the appropriate application and fees to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

How quickly a person can earn their 2042 California Single Subject Teaching Credential depends, of course, on how many courses are taken at a time. At UMass Global, students taking two classes per session can earn their credential in as little as 10 months. A total of 33 credits are required — 24 credits (8 courses) of introductory block and content area block courses, along with two 4.5 credit internship or student teaching sections.

A Single Subject Teaching Credential in California allows you to teach a specific subject, such as math, English, science, or a foreign language, typically in middle and high schools where classes are departmentalized. This is a good choice for teachers who would rather specialize in one area and prefer to focus on teaching that subject to different classes of students.

A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential allows you to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, which is common in elementary schools. This credential is ideal for those who wish to teach multiple subjects to the same group of students throughout the day, covering the broad spectrum of the elementary curriculum.

The degree of specialization is another way to think of this. Multiple Subject Credential teachers have a general level of expertise in a variety of subjects. Single Subject Credential teachers need to have a much higher level of expertise in their specific subject, but not in other areas.

A Single Subject Teaching Credential allows educators to specialize in a subject they're passionate about, offering the opportunity to teach in middle and high schools. This specialization leads to job flexibility, significant impact on students' futures, and personal fulfillment. It opens doors to professional development related to their subject area and can increase marketability, especially in high-demand fields like mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Furthermore, it provides a pathway for career advancement, including roles such as department heads or curriculum developers, making it a rewarding choice for those looking to deeply engage in a specific academic discipline.