Elementary Education

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 or junior undergraduate students

Advanced credentials include the Reading Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC). The RLLSC is an advanced, additional credential for credentialed teachers who want to become experts in literacy with the goal of becoming leaders in this area.

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. For all advising related to credentials, contact the Credential Office at (818) 677-2733.

Elementary Education, M.A.

The department offers a Master of Arts in Elementary Education with the following options:

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

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 Option is for teachers interested in honing their skills 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 Option 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 who are striving to develop stronger literacy skills.

The Multilingual and Multicultural Option 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 array of opportunities. A variety of careers are open to teachers as they gain more experience, additional authorizations, and advanced credentials or degrees. In addition to classroom teaching, there are positions as teacher coaches, program coordinators, designers or providers of professional development for teachers, and curriculum developers. 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 3.5.

Scholarships

The Michael D. Eisner College of Education scholarship information and applications can be found at Scholarships.