California’s Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (also called Teaching License), also known as an Elementary Teaching Credential, authorizes an educator to instruct multiple subjects in an individual, self-contained classroom, which most often are found in elementary schools.
Teachers who hold a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and teach elementary school experience a variety of rewarding benefits. Elementary school teachers have the opportunity to watch children grow and to help them develop a lifelong love of learning. The academic and social skills that children learn from their elementary school teachers will determine many of later successes in school, work and life. While teaching at the elementary school level can be challenging, few careers provide the chance to make a difference in the lives of so many children and families. In addition, most elementary school teachers say that working with young children is fun and keeps them feeling youthful.
Before a candidate can apply for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, the following requirements must be satisfied:
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Satisfy the California basic skills requirement (many teacher credential programs expect students to complete this requirement before enrolling).
- Complete a California multiple subject teacher preparation program that has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and includes student teaching. Upon program completion, the candidate will receive a recommendation for credentialing from the school.
- Demonstrate subject-matter competence by taking a subject-matter examination or by completing an elementary subject-matter program that has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- Complete a comprehensive reading instruction course that satisfies the Developing English Language Skills.
- Successfully complete the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). The purpose of the RICA is to ensure that California elementary teachers possess the knowledge and skills to effectively provide a comprehensive reading curriculum to students with a broad spectrum of needs.
- Complete a course or pass an examination that covers the principles and provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
- Complete a foundational computer technology course that includes both generalized and specialized instruction on using computers in the classroom.
Candidates who satisfy these requirements are eligible to receive a Five-Year Preliminary Teaching Credential. In order to continue teaching in a California classroom, teachers must obtain a Professional Clear Credential within five years. A Clear Credential requires completion of a Commission-approved two-year General Education Induction Program. The induction program covers advanced study in health education, computer technology, special populations and other topics. Alternatively, a teacher can complete a General Education Clear Credential Program at a California college or university.
A Clear Credential is valid for a teacher’s entire career, providing that evidence of professional fitness and renewal fees are submitted every five years.
For more information about obtaining a California Elementary Multiple Subject Credential, visit the Commission on Teacher Credentialing official website.
If you are interested in learning more about the single subject teaching credential, be sure to check out our blog post covering the basics.
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The above photo was taken from flickr.com
