Credentials

The Multiple Subject Credential program is primarily designed for students who desire to teach in self-contained classrooms typical of elementary schools and to provide effective instruction for diverse learners in grades K-8. The Multiple Subject Credential program includes preliminary, advanced and specialist credentials. There are four pathways toward earning a preliminary multiple subject credential:

1. Traditional Program
2. Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program
3. Multiple Subject Intern Program
4. Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) for Freshmen (ITEPF) or Junior (ITEPJ) students

Advanced credentials include the Reading Language Arts Specialist Credential (RLASC) and the General Education Induction program for the Multiple and Single Subject Clear Credential (Induction program). RLASC is an advanced credential for credentialed teachers who want to become experts in literacy with the goal of becoming leaders in this area.

The Induction Credential program is for teachers who have their preliminary multiple subject or single subject credential and want to be recommended for the Clear Credential. The specialist credentials include the BCLAD Emphasis Credential and the Bilingual Authorization Credential. These credentials are for preliminary credential candidates or credentialed teachers who are proficient in Spanish and English, Korean and English, or Armenian and English, and who want to work with English language learners from these linguistic and cultural groups. In addition, students fluent in Cambodian and English, Cantonese and English, Mandarin and English, or Vietnamese and English may complete a BCLAD Emphasis Program through the CSUN Asian BCLAD Consortium.

Please contact the department at (818) 677-2621 or view the department website for a list of current program advisors for each credential pathway. Please contact the Credential Office at (818) 677-2586 for all advising regarding credentials.

Education, M.A. Option in Elementary Education

The department offers a Master of Arts in Education with an Option in Elementary Education in the following emphases:

1. Curriculum and Instruction
2. Language and Literacy
3. Multicultural/Multilingual Education

The M.A. builds on competencies developed in the Multiple Subject Credential program and is designed to provide candidates with advanced professional preparation in education for (1) assuming differentiated careers in school districts, professional organizations and the community; and (2) continuing into a doctoral program.

The Curriculum and Instruction emphasis is for teachers interested in honing their skill in all curricular areas. The integration of visual and performing arts into traditional subject matter disciplines such as language arts, social studies, science and mathematics is unique to this emphasis.  Teachers acquire a deep understanding of how state frameworks and common core standards are integrated into the various disciplines.

The Language and Literacy emphasis provides a comprehensive and balanced approach to literacy instruction and assessment. Teaching students to be strategic readers, writers and evaluators of their own literacy progress is emphasized. Through the Literacy Center on campus, CSUN students work in practical settings to assess and assist children experiencing difficulty in developing literacy skills.

The Multicultural/Multilingual emphasis focuses on developing a comprehensive and balanced approach to teaching culturally diverse students in K-8 settings. The emphasis provides an overview of multicultural education, which includes theories and practices in culturally relevant pedagogy, language acquisition, family and community assets, and multicultural arts education.

Please contact the department at (818) 677-2621 to reach the graduate advisor or visit the Department of Elementary Education website.

A career as a teacher in the elementary education setting can lead to a wide spectrum of opportunities. A variety of careers open to teachers as they gain more experience and advanced credentials or degrees. In addition to classroom teaching, there are positions as teacher coaches, program coordinators, developers or providers of professional development for teachers, and curriculum development. In the corporate world, teachers are often engaged as developers of curriculum and materials for educational purposes and as designers or providers of educational professional development. Typically a valid California teaching credential is required or preferred for advanced credentials in administration, school counseling or specialist credentials.

All credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Pi Lambda Theta (PLT) is the CSUN chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, an honor society for Education students with a grade point average of at least 3.50.

Scholarships

The Elementary Education department offers two scholarships:

• Ruth Roche Memorial Scholarship
• Richard and Phyllis Mina Book Grant

For information and applications, please view the Scholarships website.

In addition, the Michael D. Eisner College of Education offers 14 scholarships. For more information and applications, please view the Scholarships website.