Dean: Prof. Heather Vezner
Assistant Dean: Dr. Kellie Albrecht

Purpose Statement

MISSION: To prepare servant leaders who transform lives through innovative and exceptional educational practices to positively impact local and global communities.

VISION: To be a distinguished School of Education that attracts, equips, and supports candidates aspiring to become wise and honorable servant leaders in education.

CORE VALUES: The School of Education pursues excellence in:

• Christ-like Service
  • Treating students with love, dignity, and respect.
• Scholarly and Practice-Based Instruction
  • Perfecting the practice of teaching through scholarship and research.
• Innovative and Relevant Curriculum
  • Teaching practical pedagogical and leadership strategies.
• Community and Alumni Partnerships
  • ​Developing strategic collaborative relationships.

Undergraduate Major

Co-Directors: Dr. Michael Schulteis and Dr. Rebecca Stanton

Bachelor of Arts Degree

• Liberal Studies

Teacher Credential Programs

Director: Dr. Rebecca Stanton

• Elementary Education/Multiple Subject Credential Program
• Secondary Education/Single Subject Credential Program
• Special Education: Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Services Credential Program

Lutheran Teaching Certification

Director: Dr. Cari Chittick

Graduate Degrees

Master of Arts in Education
Senior Director: Dr. Jill Swisher

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration: Administrative Credential
• Learning, Design, and Technology
• School Counseling: Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Master of Education
(combined credential/Master's degree)
Director: Dr. Michael Schulteis

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Director: Prof. Lori Doyle

• Social-Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics

Doctor of Education
Senior Director: Dr. Kellie Albrecht

Undergraduate Education Learning Outcomes

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

• Lutheran Teacher Certification

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:

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 CUI faculty member and one from another CUI faculty member or a professional reference from outside CUI).
4. Official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
5. California Certificate of Clearance; current Wellness Center health clearance.
6. Interview and recommendation from School of Education faculty advisor.
7. School of Education faculty approval.
8. 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

Course List

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

Course List

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

Course List

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:

1. Submitted Credential Application 
2. Valid Certificate of Clearance on file
3. A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
4. A passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
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]).
10. Passage of Teaching Performance Assessment.  A cumulative professional portfolio is 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.

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).