Frequently Asked Questions

For USD Credential Students

Credential Handbook

What Do I Need To Do To Be Admitted To: the Undergraduate Teaching Credential Programs?
Meet with Kathy Estey, Program Specialist, in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Kathy’s office is in the SOLES Building Room 101E. Phone: 619 260-4159. E-mail: kestey@sandiego.edu. Meet with Kathy to gather information about becoming a teacher and taking Education courses.

CBEST (the California Basic Educational Skills Test) must be passed before you are formally admitted to the Teacher Credential Program. Registration information is available at www.cbest.nesinc.com. Formal admission to the program must be received in order to take upper division professional preparation courses in Education.

Apply to the Teacher Credential Program during the second semester of your sophomore year. You must have a minimum 2.75 GPA, letter of recommendation, interview with a faculty member, and passing CBEST score for admission. See Kathy for application materials.

Complete the lower division “Indispensable Competencies” (English, Math, and Logic) before applying to the Teacher Credential Program.

After admission to the Teacher Credential Program, you will be assigned to a SOLES faculty advisor for assistance with program and professional information. Take all courses for a grade (no pass/fails allowed in the Liberal Studies major).

Apply to student teach the semester before you wish to student teach. Permission to student teach requires meeting the following: Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, C or above in core and concentration courses for Liberal Studies majors, B- or better in professional preparation courses (EDUC classes), passing score on the CSET exam (or subject matter program signed by SOLES advisor if using for Single Subject or Special Education), acceptable performance in practicum experiences, appropriate professional disposition, and faculty approval of student mid-point portfolio.

What Do I Need To Do To Be Admitted To: the Graduate Credential Program?

Admission Requirements for Graduate Multiple Subject USD Credential Applicants:
While applicants are evaluated based on a holistic method, the successful candidate for the program will demonstrate his or her candidacy in the following manner:

• Completed USD application, which can be submitted online at: www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/application.
• College or university transcripts. Applicants must submit one official sealed transcript from every college or university attended. It is highly recommended that applicants order an additional set of official transcripts.
• Three professional letters of recommendation from a current supervisor or a professor attesting to both academic and personal skills and, if possible, to teaching abilities. Please do not submit personal recommendations.
• Statement of purpose explaining reasons for seeking the USD credential and including information on an applicant’s experience in working with children or adolescents in school or non-school settings.
• Resume.
• A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate course work.
• Passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or photocopy of reservation confirmation to take CBEST on next available date. Or passing scores on all three subtests of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects and new CSET: Writing Skills test.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Single Subject USD Credential Applicants:
While applicants are evaluated based on a holistic method, the successful candidate for the program will demonstrate his or her candidacy in the following manner:

• Completed USD application, which can be submitted online at: www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/application.

• College or university transcripts. Applicants must submit one official sealed transcript from every college or university attended. It is highly recommended that applicants order an additional set of official transcripts.
• Three professional letters of recommendations from a current supervisor or a professor attesting to both academic and personal skills and, if possible, to teaching abilities. Please do not submit personal recommendations.
• Statement of purpose explaining reasons for seeking the USD credential and including information on an applicant’s experience in working with children or adolescents in school or non-school settings.
• Resume.
• A 2.75 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate coursework.
• Passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or photocopy of reservation confirmation to take CBEST on next available date.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Single Education Specialist Credential Applicants

Admission Requirements for Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling Applicants

Admission Requirements for Administrative Services credential Applicants

Additional Information for International Applicants

Application deadlines vary by semester and students should click here for the most current deadlines.

I am interested in a USD credential program only – why am I applying for graduate admissions?
All applicants who hold a Bachelor’s Degree are admitted as graduate students regardless of whether they are applying to a USD credential, master’s or doctorate program.

Can I get help paying for my tuition at USD?
Many programs are available for financial aid, scholarships and monetary awards. Information is available on the following web site: http://www.sandiego.edu/soles/admissions/financial_aid/

May I transfer courses from another credential program into this program?
It is sometimes possible to substitute one or two credential courses for equivalent courses in the USD credential program. Once you have been admitted to the USD credential program you will be assigned a faculty advisor in SOLES. Bring transcripts, course descriptions and course syllabi to meet with that faculty advisor to determine what if any coursework you may transfer. Obtain verification of any substitution in writing from your faculty advisor and submit a copy along with official sealed transcripts to the USD credential analyst.

How do I get an advisor?
You will be assigned a faculty advisor upon admission to your program. The advisor will be a professor in your specialty area and you will meet with her or him each semester prior to class registration. At your first meeting, your advisor will complete a checklist of program and USD credential requirements to give you an overview of required coursework, certification matters and administrative procedures. In graduate school, the role of an advisor expands from a program counselor to a professional mentor. You are encouraged to consult with your advisor on a regular basis – office hours are posted on the doors. Additionally, the staff in the Student Services Center is available to provide you with support and advice on USD credential, testing, procedural and field experience matters.

How do I become a substitute?
You may substitute if you have a bachelor’s degree and have passed the Basic Skills Requirement. You do not need a sub permit if you have completed requirements for the credential. The sub permit is applied for through the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). To apply for the substitute permit pick up an application packet from the SDCOE, room 404, 6401 Linda Vista Rd. (east of USD) 858-292-3581. The sub permit and employment may require additional fingerprinting. Follow the SDCOE instructions and return materials and fees to the SDCOE. Contact the Director of Field Experiences for information regarding substituting during student teaching.

How do I get an emergency credential?
There is no such thing as an “emergency” credential. If you wish to substitute teach see “How do I become a substitute? “ above. Short Term Staff Permits (STPs) and Provisional Intern Permits (PIPs) are permits applied for by a school district that is unable to find a credentialed teacher to fill a position. The school district must certify to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) that they have an emergency situation in which a regularly credentialed teacher cannot be found for the position. The district then applies to the CTC for the STP or PIP for the candidate. It is necessary to be enrolled in a credential program and make progress toward a credential in order to teach on an STP or a PIP.

Where can I get information on the credential exams and test preparation?
CBEST: www.cbest.nesinc.com
CSET: www.cset.nesinc.com
RICA: www.rica.nesinc.com
Various sites offer test preparation, consult the USD credential handbook or the USD credential Analyst for information. USD students are offered a RICA preparation class before the exam, watch the list serve for the announcement.

Who should take the CSET Writing Skills Exam?
Both a Basic Skills Requirement and subject matter competence are required for teaching credentials. Basic Skills is required for admission to the program and subject matter competence is required prior to student teaching. Basic Skills is normally met by CBEST and subject matter is met either by passing the CSET or Single Subject candidates may also meet subject matter competence by completing a CTC approved examination waiver program. Multiple Subject (and some Education Specialist) candidates may elect to meet the basic skills requirements and subject matter competence by passing the 3 CSET multiple subject subtests and the CSET Writing Skills. Information is available at www.cset.nesinc.com. This option will be most attractive to graduate Multiple Subject (and some Education Specialist) students who need to meet the Basic Skills Requirement and subject matter competence during the first semester of credential coursework.

Are informational meetings held so I can learn more about what is required for student teaching?
Yes, there is a mandatory preliminary meeting each Fall and each Spring for students applying to student teach for the following semester. The dates for these meetings are mid-October for Spring student teaching and mid-March for Fall student teaching, and are announced two to three weeks before the meeting. Student Teaching Applications are obtained from the Director of Field Experiences at that meeting.

Can I select the school or district where I want to do my student teaching?
Student teacher placements are made within most San Diego County school districts. Placement preferences are taken into consideration, but cannot always be honored. The most important consideration in the placement process is providing experiences with competent, professional cooperating teachers in school settings that will support student learning. Students receive their placements at a mandatory placement meeting the week before student teaching begins.

Do I get paid for student teaching?
No, student teachers are not paid. The student teaching experience is primarily designed as an opportunity for you to learn rather than as a test of how much you already know. The aim is to produce good beginning teachers. During your student teaching experience, you will work under the direction of one or two Cooperating Teachers as you learn to translate academic theory into sound classroom practice.

Who do I speak to about student teaching in Special Education?
Please note that Special Education internships and student teaching have additional requirements. Please contact Dr. Jerry Ammer for more information by calling (619) 260-4292.

How do I get an intern position?
An intern position is a paid teaching position in which the intern teaches while completing the credential program. USD currently offers an intern credential for the level I education specialist credential and the administrative services credential. To qualify for a special education intern position through USD it is necessary to be admitted to USD and the education specialist credential program, have the recommendation of the Special Education Program Director and the employing school district, and have completed the following requirements: CTC fingerprint clearance, BA degree, Basic Skills Requirement, Subject Matter Competence through passage of CSET or completion of an approved program, U.S. Constitution and any pre-requisite courses required by the Special Education Program Director. For information about the administrative intern program contact ELDA.

What grades will I be able to teach?
The Multiple Subject credential is a Preschool – Adult credential for the self contained classroom. A self contained classroom is one where all subjects are taught. If you want to teach at the elementary school level (typically kindergarten through 6th grade) then you will want to complete the Multiple Subject credential program.

The Single Subject credential is a Preschool – Adult credential for the departmentalized classroom. A departmentalized classroom is one where one subject is taught. If you want to teach at the middle/junior high or high school level then you will want to complete the Single Subject credential program.

The Education Specialist credential is a Preschool – Adult credential authorizing teaching in the special education classroom. The education specialist may teach at the elementary school level (typically kindergarten through 6th grade), the middle/junior high or the high school level. Several different areas of special education are available, USD offers programs for mild/moderate, moderate/severe, early childhood and deaf and hard of hearing disabilities.

Services credentials for school counseling and administration cover Preschool – Adult.

What subjects can I teach?
The Multiple Subject credential is a Preschool – Adult credential for the self contained classroom. A self contained classroom is one where all subjects are taught. If you want to teach at the elementary school level (typically kindergarten through 6th grade) then you will want to complete the Multiple Subject credential program and with that USD credential you will be able to teach all the subjects taught in the elementary school classroom.

The Single Subject credential is a Preschool – Adult USD credential for the departmentalized classroom. A departmentalized classroom is one where one subject is taught. If you want to teach at the middle/junior high or high school level then you will want to complete the Single Subject credential program. You will earn a credential in the subject you wish to teach by completing the approved program or passing the CSET in that subject. You may obtain a single subject credential in more than one subject. For a list of what classes you may teach with your subject consult the USD credential handbook or the USD Credential Analyst.

There are several different ways to add subjects to your credential. See the USD credential handbook or the USD Credential Analyst regarding available subjects, what areas those subject cover and the best way for you to add subjects to your credential.

What If I complete one teaching credential program and wish to add other subjects or subject areas?
See pages 19-23 in the USD credential handbook regarding requirements for obtaining a different level credential or adding subjects to your credential. If you are a single subject USD credential candidate you may obtain the Single Subject credential in more than one subject. See pages 8-10 regarding available subjects. See pages 17-18 for what areas those subjects cover.

What credential do I or will I hold?
If you are completing or have completed the current Multiple or Single Subject credential program then you have the preliminary “2042” USD credential.

What is the 2042 credential?
The “2042” is the name of your credential type. 2042 refers to the legislative bill that mandated the credential program. If you are completing or have completed the current Multiple or Single Subject credential program then you have the preliminary “2042” credential

Do I have CLAD/English Learner (EL) authorization?
If you have or will complete the current USD multiple or single subject credential program then you have or will have the 2042 credential which covers all competencies for English Learner and CLAD. Your credential will indicate that you have a 2042 credential and school districts will be aware that 2042 covers EL and CLAD competencies. Be sure and indicate to prospective employers that you have the 2042 credential.
Effective summer 2007 the education specialist USD credential program will include the competencies for English Language Learners (EL). If you completed the USD credential prior to summer ’07 contact your special education advisor about the EL requirement.

What is the CLAD and do I need it?
The 2042 USD credential program embeds the competencies for English Language Learners (EL), therefore if you hold the 2042 USD credential you DO NOT NEED CLAD. You have met the equivalent of CLAD and more with your 2042 credential.

If you will be completing the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist USD credential after summer 2007 the program will include the competencies for English Language Learners (EL) and therefore you will NOT NEED CLAD. If you completed the USD credential prior to summer ’07 contact your special education advisor about the EL requirement.

The “Ryan” credential is the “old” credential (the renewal code on the Ryan credential is R14). If you have the Ryan credential and want to know if you have CLAD look at the credential. If you have CLAD it will be clearly indicated on the credential. For a list of approved CLAD courses at USD e-mail the USD credential Analyst at credential@SanDiego.edu.

What is NCLB and am I NCLB certified?
NCLB is the federal No Child Left Behind Act. NCLB in California is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) www.cde.ca.gov not the university or the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. NCLB compliance is determined by the employing school district. If you have not yet been employed then NCLB compliance will be determined by your employing school district once you have been hired. Neither the university nor the Commission on Teacher Credentialing may determine NCLB compliance for you, it is up to the employing school district using CDE guidelines. For more information about NCLB visit the web site of the California Department of Education www.cde.ca.gov/nclb.

What do I have to do to receive the USD credential?
The “credential program” consists of all of the USD education courses, USD student teaching/filedwork/practicum and all exams and pre-requisites. Consult the credential handbook for an outline of all of the requirements to receive the USD credential.

How do I have my emergency CLAD credential renewed through USD?
In order to have the emergency renewal form CL 469 completed by USD please supply a copy of the CLAD emergency credential, an official sealed copy of the USD Continuing Education transcript verifying completion of 6 units in the CLAD program within the valid dates of the emergency CLAD certificate and a stamped envelope addressed to where the certification is to be sent. Submit to the USD credential analyst in the Student Services Center in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

I have taken courses through USD on-line. Can USD recommend me for the clear USD credential?
To receive institutional formal recommendation for the Ryan Clear credential through USD it is necessary to apply for formal admission and enroll in the USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences and complete a minimum of 24 units in a fifth year program on the San Diego campus. The USD Division of Continuing Education/Extension is a separate division from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Course work through the USD Division of Continuing Education does not meet requirements for USD recommendation for the Ryan Clear credential.

Can I get clear my education specialist credential through USD on-line courses?
The level II Education Specialist credential requires completion of a level II program. To enroll in the level II program at USD it is necessary to apply for formal admission and enroll in the USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences. The USD Division of Continuing Education/Extension does not offer an on-line program for the level II Education Specialist USD credential.

I have an out of state certificate, how do I apply for California certification?
Evaluation for California certification is performed by the state certification agency for California, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) www.ctc.ca.gov . The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) www.sdcoe.net Credential Office provides the CTC application forms and assists with the application process for out-of-state certified credential candidates:
San Diego County Office of Education
Credential Office (Room 404)
6401 Linda Vista Rd.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 292-3716

When will I get my USD credential?
The procedure to receive the credential or credential verification is as follows:
During your final semester of credential coursework request the credential application packet from the Credential analyst. If you are a teaching credential candidate watch the list serve for announcements of the Credential and Careers Meeting and the availability of the credential application packet. When you have completed all credential reuirements including coursework, exams and student teaching and the credential analyst has received your final transcript with your grade for student teaching/fieldwork posted the credential analyst will submit your credential application on-line to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). You will then receive an e-mail at the permanent e-mail address that you provide on the application from the CTC asking you to pay the credential fee (currently $30-60) by credit card. When that process is complete the CTC will send you e-mail verification of the credential to your e-mail address for you to print out and show to employers. The credential itself will be posted to the CTC web site approximately 10 days after you receive the e-mail. The CTC web site www.ctc.ca.gov has the official posting of the credential once it has been issued.

How long is the credential good for?
The preliminary and level I credentials are good for 5 years and are not renewable. Within the 5 years it is necessary to complete requirements to “clear” the credential. See “How do I clear my credential?” below.

How do I clear my credential (teaching, special education, pupil personnel services, administration)?
The preliminary and level I teaching and administrative credentials are good for 5 years and are not renewable. It is necessary to complete a BTSA/Induction program (or a level II program for special education or administration) in order to clear the credential. For information on how to receive the Clear or Level II teaching credential see the section on renewing the credential in the USD Credential Handbooks . Pupil Personnel Services credentials are clear credentials and are issued for 5 years. Clear credentials do not have renewal requirements other than to submit an application and fee to the CTC every 5 years. Those with administrative credentials are also required to keep their “basic” credential active in order to renew the administrative credential.

Do I have to take courses or complete other requirements after I clear my credential?
The clear credential is good for 5 year increments and is renewable by applying to the CTC on-line and paying a small fee, currently approximately $60. No other requirements are needed to renew the clear credential except for the administrative credential (see above).

What if I want to move to another state after I receive my credential? How do I apply for a credential in another state?
A California credential will earn you preliminary certification in most other states. The first step is to complete all requirements for your California credential including exams, student teaching and application for the credential. Contact the certification office in the capitol of the state(s) you are interested in for information on requirements and applying for certification in that state. Consult the CTC website www.ctc.ca.gov use “other links” on the left hand side and click on “educational organizations in other states” for contact information.

Who can help me with my resume and job search?
The USD Office of Career Services is located in Room 110 of the Hughes Administration Center and offers advising to USD students on job search strategies, resume writing and interviewing. Web site: www.sandiego.edu/careers.

How Do I Look for a Job?
The on-line employment site used by most California school districts is www.edjoin.org. Schools post job openings and educators seeking positions post their placement information. As a prospective educator you will fill out an on-line profile and then scan in the letters of recommendation that you have requested and received from those who have seen you at a school site such as your student teaching/fieldwork supervisor and cooperating teacher and administrators at the student teaching site such as the principal and vice principal.

What is a placement file and how do I order one?
The placement file, consisting of confidential letters of recommendation, used to be required for employment however school districts are now using on-line application procedures. The on-line employment site used by most California school districts is www.edjoin.org. Schools post job openings and educators seeking positions post their placement information. As a prospective job applicant you will fill out an on-line profile and then scan in the letters of recommendation that you have requested and received from those who have seen you teach and/or work at a school site.

1/08 This information is subject to change without notice. Verify current information with the Student Services Center:
Graduate Admissions: Michelle Tillman, Director of Outreach and Recruitment (619) 260-7988 mtillman@sandiego.edu
Undergraduate and Multiple Subject Coordinator: Kathy Estey, Program Specialist, (619) 260-4159, kestey@sandiego.edu
Student Teaching: Dr. Vickie Souza, Director of Field Experiences, (619) 260-8801, vsouza@sandiego.edu