Graduate School of Education: credapp.html

Credentials

At Berkeley's Graduate School of Education a central mission is to link knowledge and research on education with efforts to improve teaching and learning in our schools. To facilitate this mission, credential programs are integrated into two areas of study within the school: Cognition and Development (CD) and Language and Literacy, Society and Culture (LLSC). Berkeley credential programs offer:

The opportunity to complete professional training in broadly diverse, multicultural settings. The Bay Area includes a wide variety of schools, allowing Berkeley students to encounter a broad range of district policies, curricula, and socio-economic settings. Emphasis is given to multicultural education in course work as well as in student teaching assignments.

The opportunity to study with eminent scholars. Prominent faculty members at Berkeley participate directly in credential programs. The programs are integrated with an M.A. degree, providing students with an opportunity to work closely with faculty members who are leaders in their fields.

Preparation grounded in research that is related to professional practice. The professional programs at Berkeley benefit from faculty research, and programs are designed to help candidates translate current research findings into professional practice.

Innovative and model professional preparation programs. Because they are small and dedicated to implementing research findings, the offer innovative approaches to professional education.

Emphasis on strong grounding in academic disciplines. Berkeley programs emphasize the concepts, methodology, and current findings of the various disciplines fundamental to specific credential programs. Instruction in teaching these disciplines extends beyond that traditionally offered in methodology courses.

Instruction providing appropriate background and methodology is concurrent with fieldwork in the student's professional specialty or subject area. Berkeley programs provide an immediate opportunity for students to practice and test campus instruction in their own classroom or school settings, under the guidance of school personnel and University faculty.

Small classes, allowing individual attention in instruction, field placement, and field supervision. Seminars on teaching methods and curriculum are small. The favorable ratio of credential candidates to professional faculty allows substantial tailoring of field placements to student needs and interests.

Expert supervision by experienced professional faculty. Professional program faculty at Berkeley are specialists in their fields. They have had extensive experience as practitioners in the subjects they teach and supervise.

An outstanding placement record for program graduates. Berkeley programs have consistently maintained excellent career placement results for teaching credential and advanced credential graduates. Today, Berkeley graduates continue to find excellent placement opportunities, both locally and nationwide.

Teaching Credentials

There are two basic teaching credentials: the Multiple Subject (for instruction in elementary school grades), and the Single Subject (for departmentalized instruction in secondary school grades).
The Graduate School of Education's program leading to the Multiple Subject Credential is Developmental Teacher Education (DTE), a two-year program which includes the M.A. degree in education. See www-gse.berkeley.edu/program/dte/dte.html. This program is contained in the area of study called Cognition and Development (CD).
Two programs lead to the Single Subject Credential. The subjects offered are Mathematics, Science, or English. The Single Subject Credential programs are:

Master's and Credential in Science and Mathematics Education (MACSME), a two-year program that includes the M.A. degree in education. See www-gse.berkeley.edu/program/CD/macsme_pages/macsmetemp.html. This program is also contained in the area of study called Cognition and Development (CD). Subject fields are mathematics or science (with a concentration in biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, or physics).

Multicultural Urban Secondary English (MUSE) Master's and Credential Program, a two-year course of study offered by the Language and Literacy, Society and Culture area of study, in association with the Bay Area Writing Project. See http://gse.berkeley.edu/program/eng/overview.html. Students receive their credential after one year and their M.A. by taking a seminar in the second year, often while they are in their initial year of teaching.

General Information

Receiving a Preliminary Credential Upon successful completion of program and state requirements, the University awards a Certificate of Completion to eligible candidates. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing issues a Preliminary Teaching Credential which is valid for five years. If requirements for the professional clear credential are not completed before the expiration of the preliminary, the holder will be unable to teach in California's public schools with that credential until those requirements are met and the document is renewed.
Requirements for the Professional Clear Credential. Individuals who complete a professional teacher preparation program and receive a five-year preliminary credential must earn a professional clear credential by completing a Commission-approved Professional Teacher Induction Program through an approved school district, county office of education, college or university, consortium, or private school. The Induction Program includes the advanced study of health education, special populations, computer technology, and teaching English learners. Alternatively, teachers who are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will be issued a Professional Clear Teaching Credential in the subject area in which they have received national certification.
Credential Information Seminars are held throughout the year in the Graduate School of Education. These seminars are free of charge and open to the public. To sign up, please call 642-5345.
Full-Time Study. Teaching credential programs at UC Berkeley require full-time study. Some students, however, are able to work five to ten hours per week.
Transfer of Credit. The structure of the school's credential programs does not allow for the transfer of courses from other institutions, nor can student teaching be waived on the basis of previous teaching experience.
Fees. Education fees for credential programs are the same as for other graduate programs.
Financial Aid. In addition to the applicable fellowships and scholarships described in the Graduate Admissions Application Booklet, the California Student Aid Commission offers the Assumption Program for Loans in Education (APLE) program. APLE forgives up to $11,000 in approved students loans, and up to $19,000 for math and science teachers.
Tuberculosis Clearance. Students are required to have evidence of a negative tuberculosis skin test or x-ray before coming in contact with children and youth in the public schools.
Certificate of Clearance. Credential students are required by state law to obtain a Certificate of Clearance before student teaching. However, most school districts require that the clearance be in place even earlier (such as for class observation). The application for the Certificate of Clearance includes a fingerprint live scan form, questions on personal and professional fitness, and an oath-affidavit. Applicants should be aware that a criminal record may prevent certification.
Student Teaching. This accounts for a significant portion of the units taken to fulfill teacher credentialing program requirements. Student teaching is done concurrently with course work. Candidates are assigned to teach at two or more schools (five for DTE) and at various grade levels. Student teaching placements expose aspiring teachers to culturally and linguistically diverse students in local public schools. There is no remuneration for student teaching.
Liability Insurance. You are required to be covered for liability while you are student teaching. You can obtain a $1 million policy by joining the Student California Teaching Association (SCTA) for $30. The annual membership period is from September 1 to August 31, so please wait until the end of summer to sign up at www.cta.org/SCTA/Join/Join.htm. You may view other benefits of membership at: www.cta.org/SCTA/Benefits/ GeneralInformation.htm.
United States Constitution. This requirement can be met by course work or examination. The examination covers the principles and provisions of the U.S. Constitution. The following courses fulfill the requirement at Berkeley:

History 7A, 7B, 16AC, 121B;

Political Science 1, 157A, 157B;

Legal Studies 176, 177, 178.

Career Opportunities. Berkeley students are considered top candidates wherever there are openings in school districts, and many of our graduates have multiple offers of employment.
Credential Admission Requirements. Applicants to Berkeley's credential programs come from a wide range of colleges and universities throughout the United States. Some are making career changes. Admission is based on a candidate's academic record, paid or volunteer work in educational settings, and life experiences that indicate a potential for being an excellent teacher.
Grade-Point Average. A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 is required for course work taken in the junior and senior year.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The General Test of the GRE is not required for the Developmental Teacher Education (DTE) Program or the Principal Leadership Institute (PLI). It is required for the Multicultural Urban Secondary English (MUSE) Program and for the Master's and Credential in Science and Mathematics Education (MACSME) Program.
Pre-professional Experience. In making decisions regarding admissions, all credential programs consider prior experience working with children and adolescents in public schools. Applicants are advised to tutor, mentor, or engage in other paid or volunteer work that allows them to interact with youth in a public school setting.
Letters of Recommendation. Credential applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should address the applicant's relevant experience in an educational setting such as tutoring or working with school-age youth. At least one letter should address the applicant's ability as a scholar. The third letter can be either academic or professional in nature, or can be chosen to complete a well-rounded picture of the applicant. Candidates applying for fellowships should have at least two letters that address the applicant's ability as a scholar.
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This examination tests proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics. Please see the CBEST web page for more information.
Subject Matter Competency. California requires that subject matter competency be demonstrated before student teaching. We recommend that candidates verify their subject matter competency before applying to the secondary school programs. In California, subject matter competency for elementary school teaching can be demonstrated by passing the required examination. For secondary school teaching, it can be demonstrated by exam or by completing a California state-approved subject matter preparation program.
For the Multiple Subject Credential (for elementary school teaching), the required CSET examination is Multiple Subjects. To prepare for this examination, applicants can access the CSET web site to view the free test guides. For more information on the Developmental Teacher Education program, please see their web page.

For the Single Subject Credential, candidates take the CSET Single Subject in a specific area. Please refer to the chart on exam requirements for information on which examinations are required for specific programs. To prepare for the CSET Single Subject Examination, applicants can acess the CSET web site to view the free test guides for single subject exams.
Ideally, candidates should major in the subject they plan to teach or in a related field; however, candidates aspiring to teach science in secondary schools need to have academic backgrounds in both physical and life sciences.
Interviews. Interviews are part of the selection process. The structure of the interview varies by program and may include public school teachers and administrators. Telephone interviews may be conducted under some circumstances. Not all applicants are interviewed.

Advanced Credentials

Administrative Services Credential. The Principal Leadership Institute (PLI) is preparing a new generation of leaders for schools in California cities. Candidates admitted to PLI will receive an M.A. in education as well as a recommendation for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Information can be obtained from the program office, 3659 Tolman Hall, 643-7458.
School Psychology Credential. The School Psychology Credential is required for service as a school psychologist in the public schools.
The School Psychology Authorization is available to candidates for the Ph.D. degree in education with a specialization in school psychology.
Information can be obtained from the program office, 4511 Tolman Hall, 642-4201, or from the program coordinator, Dr. Carolyn Hartsough, 4327 Tolman Hall, 642-7963.

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