Undergraduate Teacher Education

The credential programs prepare multiple subject, single subject, and education specialist teacher candidates who demonstrate knowledge of theory and practice by making informed decisions leading to exemplary instruction for all learners. Concordia University Irvine's programs are state-approved and lead to preliminary California multiple (elementary), single subject (secondary), and education specialist (EDSP) credentials.

EDUC 400-level courses are part of the California credential program. To begin taking this coursework as an undergraduate, students must be fully admitted to the undergraduate teacher education program, which includes the following:

1. Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher with no course grade lower than C- in the major.

2. Successful completion of EDUC 101 and EDSP 204 or EDUC 204 with a grade of B- or higher and positive evaluation of the field experience component by the director of field experience and the classroom teacher.

3. Two letters of recommendation (one from a Concordia faculty member and one from another Concordia faculty member or a professional reference from outside Concordia).

4. Official college transcripts from all colleges attended.

5. California Certificate of Clearance.

6. Negative tuberculosis (TB) test results from the last 2 years.

7. Interview and recommendation from School of Education faculty advisor.

8. School of Education faculty approval.

9. Basic Skills Requirement met.

Note:  The Liberal Studies major is designed for students who wish to earn a Multiple Subject or Special Education credential. The coursework in the major is aligned to the California Content Standards and is approved for the Elementary Subject Matter, which fulfills the Subject Matter Competency requirement per AB 130 for the Multiple Subject and EDSP preliminary credentials.

Students who transfer to Concordia with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Elementary Education will be able to graduate with a major in Liberal Studies.

Transfer students without an ADT will have their courses reviewed by admission's personnel to maximize each student's desire to complete the requirements of the Liberal Studies major in an expedited manner.

Transition

Most undergraduate Education students either begin or complete their credential coursework in their undergraduate program and then return to complete their remaining coursework and student teaching as a post Baccalaureate student. If you are in this category, there are actions that you must complete in your last semester before graduation. The deadlines are October 15 for fall graduation and March 15 for spring graduation. If you have any questions, contact your School of Education advisor for help.

1. Complete Transition Application

2. Submit Subject Matter Competency fulfillment, if required (dependent on where you are in the program)

3. Submit TB Test Verification (if not already current)

Student Teaching Requirements

Prior to student teaching, students must fulfill the Subject Matter Competency requirement through one of the options allowed per AB-130. Students must also have earned grades of B- or better in all EDUC/EDSP courses to qualify for student teaching placement.

Teacher Credential Application Process

Candidates may be recommended to the State of California for a preliminary credential when the following requirements have been completed:

1. Submitted Credential Application

2. Valid Certificate of Clearance on file

3. A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

4. Basic Skills requirement met.

5. An approved professional preparation program with a minimum grade of B- in all course work.

6. U.S. Constitution course or approved alternative demonstration of competency.

7. Level I technology competencies (EDUC 200).

8. CPR Certification

9. Demonstration of subject matter competence (passage of California Subject Examination for Teachers [CSET or appropriate subject matter]). Subject Matter Competency met per AB-130.

10. Passage of Teaching Performance Assessment. A cumulative professional portfolio is also required of EDSP candidates.

11. Passage of Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) for multiple subject and education specialist teacher candidates only.

Candidates filing for the California Preliminary Credential must apply through the School of Education. Regular consultation with a program advisor is critical to be certain that the candidate’s program of study meets all state and university requirements. Federal and State legislation and mandates may change program requirements at any time.