SJSU Catalog

Becoming an Elementary School Teacher

1. As an undergraduate student consider one of the following programs. See catalog index for more information.

• Child and Adolescent Development
• Creative Arts
• Environmental Studies
• Liberal Studies
• Natural Science
• Social Science

Each of the above majors has a teacher preparation option that was designed to prepare for teaching in grades K-8.

2. Apply for Admission to the Multiple Subject Credential Program

Applications to the Credential Program are accepted for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Requirements include:

• Admission to Graduate Studies at San José State University.
• Grade point average (GPA) of approximately 2.87 (see advisor)
• Passing score on California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)
• Satisfaction of the U.S. Constitution Requirement
• Completion of 50 hours of verifiable, supervised experience with children in an instructional setting (or approved alternative coursework)
• Passing score on California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subject Tests.
• Completion of Multiple Subject Credential Program Application. (available in SH 305
• Passing score on the College of Education Technology Test or course EDIT 122.

3. Complete a Professional Preparation Program Leading to the Multiple Subject Credential

Program options include BCLAD (Bilingual Cross-cultural Language & Academic Development) emphasis, internship, partnerships, and combination credential/Master's degree.

The following requirements apply to all of the above options, except for the Integrated Degree/Credential Program in Child and Adolescent Development:

Preliminary Credential (Level I)

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Bachelor's degree must be granted on the same day or after university graduation.
• Prerequisites: Certificate of Clearance for personal and professional fitness
• Foundations: EdEl 102 and EdEl 103 or EdTE 160 (Vietnamise only)
• Dual language: EdTE 162
• Curriculum: EdEl 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D
• Student teaching: 143A (Orientation) and 143B (Practicum), including EdTE 260
• In addition, these State requirements should now be taken as prerequisites, or any time prior to applying for the Preliminary Credential:
• EDTE 190 Health Education for the Classroom Teacher
• EDSE 192 Mainstreaming for the Exceptional Child

Professional Clear Credential(Level II)

Employed teachers should continue professional development for a Level II credential following completion the Preliminary Credential. This may be done entirely in some school districts, and in many cases by combining a school district induction programs and courses at SJSU in the following topics.

• Advanced Study of Health Education
• Advanced Study of Teaching Special Populations
• Advanced Study of Using Technology to Support Student Learning
• Advanced Study of Teaching English Learners