School of Education
Undergraduate Education Learning Outcomes
- The teacher candidate plans and delivers instruction. The teacher candidate plans and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction based on the approved California teaching standards. The teacher candidate incorporates a variety of teaching strategies and resources to make the subject matter accessible and engaging to the needs of diverse students.
- The teacher candidate uses assessment for a variety of purposes. The teacher candidate designs and interprets a variety of assessments, and also uses assessment data to plan instruction, monitor instruction, design and monitor the classroom environment, and learn about and place students. In addition, the teacher candidate uses reflective practice as a means of self-assessment.
- The teacher candidate provides a supportive learning environment. The teacher candidate creates a positive social environment and a safe and welcoming physical environment that supports learning for all students. The teacher candidate uses instructional time wisely and efficiently.
- The teacher candidate models a servant-leadership lifestyle. The teacher candidate models servant-leadership, exhibits a professional attitude, and communicates effectively with students, families, and school personnel. The teacher candidate is aware of and carries out legal and ethical responsibilities.
Undergraduate Major
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Liberal Studies
Degree requirements can be found here.
Teacher Credential Programs
Director: Dr. Rebecca Stanton
- Elementary Education/Multiple Subject
- Secondary Education/Single Subject
- Special Education: Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Services Credential Program
Certification Programs
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 (CUI) 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:
- Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher with no course grade lower than C- in the major.
- 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.
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a CUI faculty member and one from another CUI faculty member or a professional reference from outside CUI).
- Official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
- California Certificate of Clearance; current Wellness Center health clearance.
- Interview and recommendation from School of Education faculty advisor.
- School of Education faculty approval.
- Basic Skills Requirement met.
Note: The Liberal Studies major is designed for students who wish to earn a Multiple Subject or Special Education credential. Students who began the Liberal Studies major at CUI in fall 2018 are part of the Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) preparation program approved by the State of California. The coursework in the major is aligned to the California Content Standards and is approved to substitute for the Multiple Subject CSET exam.
Students who transfer to CUI with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Elementary Education will be able to graduate with a major in Liberal Studies. Prior to student teaching, students will be required to pass the Multiple Subject CSET exam.
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. Prior to student teaching, students will be required to pass the Multiple Subject CSET exam.
Elementary Education
Multiple Subject Credential Coursework
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 200 | The Teacher and Technology * | 1 |
| EDUC 204 | Introduction to Teaching Diverse Populations | 2 |
| EDUC 301 | Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDUC 401 | Planning and Assessment for Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
| EDUC 402 | Creating Positive and Inclusive Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 422 | Math and Science Methods: Elementary | 2 |
| EDUC 423 | Integrated Curriculum Methods: Elementary | 2 |
| EDUC 451 | Language and Culture | 3 |
| EDUC 460 | Literacy Instruction in Diverse Classrooms | 4 |
| EDUC 480 | Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) Practicum: Field Experience | 1 |
| EDUC 482 | Student Teaching: Elementary | 12 |
| Total Units | 36 | |
| * | This course needs to be taken in Block I. It is recommended that it be taken concurrently with either EDUC 204 or EDUC 301. |
Secondary Education
Single Subject Credential Coursework
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 200 | The Teacher and Technology * | 1 |
| EDUC 204 | Introduction to Teaching Diverse Populations | 2 |
| EDUC 301 | Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDUC 401 | Planning and Assessment for Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
| EDUC 402 | Creating Positive and Inclusive Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 424 | Secondary Curriculum and Methods | 4 |
| EDUC 451 | Language and Culture | 3 |
| EDUC 470 | Content Area Literacy Instruction | 4 |
| EDUC 481 | Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) Practicum: Field Experience | 1 |
| EDUC 483 | Student Teaching: Secondary | 12 |
| Total Units | 36 | |
| * | This course needs to be taken in Block I. It is recommended that it be taken concurrently with either EDUC 204 or EDUC 301. |
Special Education
Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Services Credential Coursework
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 200 | The Teacher and Technology * | 1 |
| EDSP 204 | Introduction to Teaching Diverse Populations | 2 |
| EDSP 301 | Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDSP 401 | Planning and Assessment for Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
| EDSP 402 | Creating Positive and Inclusive Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDSP 425 | Advanced Curriculum Methods for Special Populations | 3 |
| EDSP 426 | Case Management, Assessment and Collaboration | 3 |
| EDSP 451 | Language and Culture | 3 |
| EDSP 460 | Literacy Instruction in Diverse Classrooms | 4 |
| EDSP 480 | Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) Practicum: Field Experience | 1 |
| EDSP 484 | Student Teaching: Special Education | 12 |
| Total Units | 38 | |
| * | This course needs to be taken in Block I. It is recommended that it be taken concurrently with either EDSP 204 or EDSP 301. |
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 completed CSET verification, if required (dependent on where you are in the program)
3. Submit Health Clearance and TB Test Verification (if not already current)
Student Teaching Requirements
Prior to student teaching, the appropriate California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) must be passed or the Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) program must be completed. 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:
- Submitted Credential Application
- Valid Certificate of Clearance on file
- A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- A passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
- An approved professional preparation program with a minimum grade of B- in all course work.
- U.S. Constitution course or approved alternative demonstration of competency.
- Level I technology competencies (EDUC 200).
- CPR Certification
- Demonstration of subject matter competence (passage of California Subject Examination for Teachers [CSET or appropriate subject matter]).
- Passage of Teaching Performance Assessment. A cumulative professional portfolio is required of EDSP candidates.
- 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.
Lutheran Teacher Certification Program
Director: Dr. Cari Chittick
Please see Christ College Certificate Requirements for program requirements.
Lutheran Teaching Ministry Certification also requires:
- Completion of all professional preparation requirements for the Teacher Education Program, including successful student teaching.
- Membership in a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).