Teacher Credential Programs
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Prepare to Serve and Lead in Education
When you earn your California teaching credential at Concordia University Irvine, you become skilled at lesson planning and delivering instruction that prepares students for future success and well-being. Courses are offered in blended online and on-campus formats, and the curriculum provides in-class opportunities to practice innovative teaching strategies. Become a confident servant leader for public and private schools as you collaborate with peers and professors in a supportive learning community.
Explore Our Programs
Find the teaching credential program that’s right for you and your career goals. Use our helpful program finder to search by keyword, degree level, and class format.
About Teaching Credential Programs
Concordia offers several teaching credential programs with specializations that support your career goals while building your skills to guide young people through their education. These programs are designed for practicing and aspiring educators who want to qualify in teaching specific grade levels and subject areas in K-12 school settings.
To support your work/credential balance, our programs include:
- Evening classes for working students
- Blended and face-to-face instructional format
- Fall, spring, and summer starts
- Three-semester credential program (36-38 units)
- Four-semester dual credential program (43-47 units)
Teaching Credential Programs Offered
Concordia offers several options to help you meet your goal of becoming a teacher.
Undergraduate Teaching Credentials
Elementary Teacher Education
To be an elementary school teacher, you’ll work toward obtaining a Multiple Subject Credential. This credential allows you to teach the variety of subjects offered at elementary schools.
Credential coursework can be done as part of your undergraduate degree, meaning you can finish your bachelor’s degree and credential at the same time.
- EDUC 200 The Teacher and Technology (1)
- EDUC 101 Introduction to Teaching Careers I (1)
- EDUC 204 Introduction to Teaching Diverse Populations
- EDUC 301 Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Learners
- EDUC 401 Instructional Planning and Assessment (3)
- EDUC 402 Creating a Positive Learning Environment (3)
- EDUC 451 Language and Culture (3)
- EDUC 422 Elementary Science and Math Methods (2)
- EDUC 423 Elementary Integrated Methods (2)
- EDUC 460 Reading/Language Development in Diverse Classrooms (4)
- EDUC 480 TPA Practicum & Seminar: Elementary/ Multiple Subject (1)
- EDUC 482 Student Teaching (12) full time teaching for a full semester
The B.A. in Liberal Studies program at Concordia is part of California’s Elementary Subject Matter Preparation (ESM) program, and Concordia students in this major who pursue the Multiple Subject Credential will fulfill the Subject Matter Competency and therefore not need to take the California Subject Examination Test (CSET).
Middle School Teacher Education
If you want to be a middle school teacher, there are two paths you can pursue in California, depending on the subjects you want to teach.
Some middle school teachers teach a cluster of courses such as math, English, and social studies. This arrangement requires the teacher to hold a Multiple Subject Credential. In this case, the best subject matter preparation for you would be to complete Concordia’s B.A. in Liberal Studies.
Other middle school teachers teach a single subject like a high school teacher. If this is your goal you will pursue a Single Subject Credential in your desired subject.
Credential coursework can be done as part of your undergraduate degree meaning you can finish your bachelor’s degree and credential at the same time.
High School Teacher Education
To be a high school teacher, you’ll work toward obtaining a Single Subject Credential. This credential allows you to teach the subject matter which you have taken for your major.
Concordia offers nine undergraduate majors that correlate to single subject credentials authorized by the state of California:
To obtain your preliminary credential, pursue one of the above majors at Concordia, finish the credential coursework, and fulfill the Basic Skills requirement and the Subject Matter Competency requirement, which may include passing state required tests including the California Subject Examination Test (CSET) for your major.
Credential coursework can be done as part of your undergraduate degree, meaning you can finish your bachelor’s degree and credential at the same time.
- EDUC 200 The Teacher and Technology (1)
- EDUC 101 Introduction to Teaching Careers I (1)
- EDUC 204: Introduction to Teaching Diverse Populations
- EDUC 301: Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Learners
- EDUC 401 Instructional Planning and Assessment (3)
- EDUC 402 Creating a Positive Learning Environment (3)
- EDUC 451 Language and Culture (3)
- EDUC 424 Secondary Curriculum Methods (4)
- EDUC 470 Content Area Reading in Middle & Secondary Classrooms (4)
- EDUC 481 TPA Practicum & Seminar: Secondary/ Single Subject (1)
- EDUC 483 Student Teaching (12) full time teaching for a full semester
Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate Support Needs
To be a special education teacher, you’ll work toward obtaining an Education Specialist (EDSP) credential. This credential allows you to teach a variety of subjects to students from kindergarten through age 22.
Concordia students earn the Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential, which includes specific learning disabilities, mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities, other health impairments, and emotional disturbances. This authorizes service in grades K–12 and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22. Information about this credential can be found on the CTC website.
The B.A. in Liberal Studies program at Concordia is part of California’s Elementary Subject Matter Preparation (ESM) program, and Concordia students in this major who pursue the Education Specialist Mild Moderate Support Needs credential will not be required to take the California Subject Examination Test (CSET).
If you wish to teach special education at the secondary (grades 6-12) level, some school districts will require that you also earn a Single Subject Credential in a specific content area. That can be done after earning your preliminary EDSP credential.
Credential coursework can be done as part of your undergraduate degree, meaning you can finish your bachelor’s degree and credential at the same time.
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- EDUC 200 The Teacher and Technology
- EDSP 204 Introduction to Teaching Diverse Populations (20 hours field experience)
- EDSP 301 Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Learners
- EDSP 401 – Planning and Assessment for Inclusive Classrooms
- EDSP 402 Creating Positive and Inclusive Learning Environments
- EDSP 451 Language and Culture
- EDSP 425 Advanced Curriculum Methods for Special Populations
- EDSP 426 Case Management, Assessment and Collaboration
- EDSP 460 Literacy Instruction in Diverse Classrooms
- EDSP 480 Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) Practicum: Field Experience
- EDSP 484 Student Teaching: Special Education
Graduate Teaching Credentials
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
To lead a class at the elementary level and teach various subjects within your own classroom, you’ll have to work toward your Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential. This credential allows you to teach at the K-6 grade levels.
While the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential is geared toward teaching at elementary schools in California, it may also apply to working in a middle school.
Single Subject Teaching Credential
To teach at the middle or high school levels – which typically means becoming an expert in one subject – you’ll need to get your Single Subject Teaching Credential. At Concordia, credential areas include:
- Art
- English
- Foreign language (case-by-case basis)
- Mathematics:
- Foundational math
- Music
- Physical education
- Science:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Foundational science
- Geosciences
- Physics
- Social science
- Theater
Once you’ve received a Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential in California, you’re qualified to work as a teacher in that particular subject in secondary schools.
Education Specialist Credential: Mild-Moderate Support Needs Teaching Credential
Prepare to teach students who need specialized accommodation when you complete coursework for the Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Credential. This credential allows you to teach students with learning disabilities, mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities, attention deficit and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism, and emotional disturbances.
Dual Credential Program
Open yourself to more opportunities when you earn a dual credential. Concordia offers a path for completing both a general education and the education specialist credential at the same time.
If you’re called to work with elementary school children, you’ll opt for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Credential. To teach at the middle or high school levels, you can pair the Single Subject Teaching Credential and Education Specialist: Mild-Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Credential.
The Dual Credential Program requires at least one more semester to complete than earning just one credential.
Combined Credential and M.Ed. Program
Transform your teaching credential into a Master’s degree to increase your expertise and career demand. Concordia offers a Combined Credential and Master of Education (M.Ed.). The coursework prepares you to demonstrate knowledge of theory and practice by making informed decisions, setting you up for success in a teacher role.
The total number of units in Concordia’s combined credential and MEd program is 45-62:
- 30-47 preliminary credential units
- 15 advanced units beyond the credential
You’ll first complete the preliminary teaching credential program, and then add the advanced coursework and capstone experience. All coursework in the M.Ed. must be completed within seven years of the first post-baccalaureate credential class.
Credential programs include:
- Multiple Subject
- Single Subject
- Education Specialist
Clear Induction Credential Programs
Once you have a preliminary credential, you must complete the requirements for the Clear Induction Credential Program. The credentials you must clear include:
- Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential
- Preliminary Single Subject Credential
- Preliminary Education Specialist Credential
The Concordia program partners with school districts to offer new teacher support for preliminary credential holders. You’ll learn to improve your teaching strategies with diverse learners, enhance your classroom management strategies, and develop your leadership potential within the context of your current teaching setting.
Here’s what you’ll need to know about the program:
- 12-unit program (2 years) for credentialed teachers with fewer than three years of experience
- 8-unit program (1 year) for those who meet one or more of the following conditions to be considered an early completer:
- Completed one year of a commission-approved BTSA or induction program
- Completed a minimum of two years of teaching experience in California with documented satisfactory teacher performance evaluations.
- Has a Master’s degree in education and at least one year of teaching experience with documented satisfactory teacher performance evaluations.
- Has a teaching credential from another state and a minimum of two years of teaching experience with documented satisfactory teacher performance evaluations.
- Apply up to six induction program units to the MEd or MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction degrees
- Courses delivered in online, synchronous format
- Provides ongoing resources for implementing the Core Common Standards and new English language standards
Student Teaching Semester
During student teaching you are one member of a team. You will be working closely with your cooperating teachers, school site personnel, and your university Supervisor once you are placed at a local school within Orange County for a full day experience for a full public school semester – approximately 18 weeks.
Information Sessions
Attend and Information Session online to learn more about our program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
State Required Exams and Assessments
There are several examinations and assessments required of you on your journey to becoming a teacher and earning your teaching credential. These are both state and federal requirements.
Basic Skills Requirement, Subject Matter Competency
Basic Skills Requirement
Applicants need to provide evidence of meeting basic skills requirements in reading, writing and math before admission to the Preliminary Teacher Credential Program. Evidence of basic skills can be provided in numerous ways including a Bachelor’s degree, CBEST (California Basic Skills Test), ACT scores, SAT scores, AP courses, and/or specific college coursework. For more information on the basic skills requirement, please review Basic Skills Requirement (CL-667) and CTC Basic Skills Guidance Chart.
Subject Matter Requirement
Applicants need to fulfill the subject matter competency requirement before being allowed to student teach. Subject matter competency can be met in one of the following options per AB 130:
- Completion of an academic major or Commission-approved Subject Matter Preparation Program in the subject area of the credential being sought.
- Completion of coursework addressing each of the Commission-adopted subject matter domains or Multiple Subject content areas.
- Completion of CSET examinations.
- Completion of a combination of coursework and CSET subtests that meets or exceeds the subject matter domains.
For more information on meeting the subject matter competency requirement, review CTC Subject Matter Options, in particular the list of appropriate majors.
CalTPA & Title II Report
All Credential Candidates must pass both cycles of the CalTPA: Teacher Performance Assessment during student teaching in order to be eligible to file for their preliminary credential.
During student teaching you will be completing the CalTPA. The CalTPA is comprised of two performance tasks. Each task measures a range of teaching strategies that you are learning during your credential coursework.
You begin preparation for this assessment in EDUC/EDSP 204 and continue throughout your coursework. In other words, Concordia prepares you to complete these tasks. You will be well aware of, and prepared for, all the elements of each task before you attempt the tasks. Most course assignments will have elements of the CalTPA tasks incorporated into them.
“Pursuant to the Title II of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved institutions are mandated to report specific information about their teaching programs. Teaching programs include the preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Single Subject Teaching Credential, and the Education Specialist Instruction Credential” (CTC, 2021).
Review Concordia University Irvine’s Title II report for the Teacher Certification Examination data.
Teaching Credential & Induction Student Handbook
This handbook provides an overview of credential programs, coursework, field experience, and requirements for earning and clearing a California teaching credential at Concordia University Irvine.
Meet our Faculty
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Heather Vezner
Dean, School of Education
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Margaret Thomas
Dean of the Townsend Institute, Faculty
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Kellie Albrecht
Assistant Dean, School of Education
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Belinda Karge
Professor of Education
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
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Catherine Webb
Professor of Education
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Eugene Kim
Professor of Education
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Michael Schulteis
Professor of Education
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Rebecca Stanton
Professor of Education
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Tanya Tarbutton
Professor of Education
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Cari Chittick
Associate Professor of Education
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Charlie Rodrigues
Associate Professor of Education
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Lori Doyle
Associate Professor of Education
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Lori Jaeger
Associate Professor of Education
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MaryAnn Seng
Associate Professor of Education
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Sandra Mercier
Associate Professor of Education
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Sara Morgan
Associate Professor of Education
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Teresa Hess
Associate Professor of Education
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Barbara Howard
Assistant Professor of Education
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Heather Churney
Assistant Professor of Education
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Kara Bratton
Assistant Professor of Education
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Robin Gomes
Assistant Professor of Education
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Timothy Young
Assistant Professor of Education
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Yvette Stuewe
Assistant Professor of Education
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Bonni Stachowiak
Adjunct Professor of Education
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Cynthia Stephens
Adjunct Professor of Education
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Deborah Collins
Adjunct Professor
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Edward Eldridge
Adjunct Professor of Education
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Alyssa Flores
Administrative Assistant to the Dean/HR Specialist
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Draven Espinoza
FAQs
Can you get a teaching credential online in California?
Colleges offer their teaching credential programs in a variety of formats. At Concordia, programs are offered in on-campus and blended formats. “Blended” means you’ll have some in-person classes and some synchronous online courses.
How long does it take to get a teaching credential in California?
The amount of time it takes to get your teaching credential in California depends on where you are in the process. It could be earned after completing an education-focused bachelor’s degree — depending on requirements in the state where you teach — meaning you’d receive the credential earlier in your career. But should you decide to become a teacher later on, you may need more education to prepare for the credential and moving into a classroom.
How bad is the California teacher shortage?
While there is a major teacher shortage in California, the state is doing more to make it easier for those with bachelor’s degrees to meet the need.2 This means it can help you save both time and money toward your teaching credentials, so you can reach your career.
What teachers are most in demand in California?
Currently, the roles that need teachers the most in California include:
- Bilingual/English as a Second Language
- Career technical education, which may include trade and vocational courses
Note: Concordia University Irvine does not offer CTE credential pathways - Mathematics
- Science
- Special education
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (viewed Nov. 19, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm (viewed Nov. 19, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (viewed Nov. 19, 2024).
2California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, New California Law Aims to Address Teacher Shortage by Easing Entry into Credential Programs, on the internet, at:
- https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/newsroom/press-releases/2024/2024-02 (viewed Nov. 20, 2024).
3Teach California, High-Need Subject Areas, on the internet, at:
- https://www.teachcalifornia.org/Home/Shortage (viewed Nov. 20, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.