Introduction
The master of arts (M.A.) in education and California teaching credential program prepare prospective teachers to work with California’s culturally and linguistically diverse student population. Students in this program earn a master’s degree and are eligible to apply for a Preliminary California Credential upon completing a 12-month, five-quarter program comprised of two summers and one academic year. Graduates of the program are prepared to teach English language learners enrolled in K–12 public schools. The program also offers the Bilingual Authorization (in Spanish) for primary language instruction or dual language immersion instruction in a K–12 setting.
Please note that we do not offer a stand-alone Master of Arts in Education nor a stand-alone credential program. Additionally, holders of a previously issued California or out-of-state credential are not eligible for admission to the program.
Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for a California Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential or a California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential. The Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a K–6, self-contained public school classroom, where all subjects are taught by the same teacher. The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in his/her credential subject area in a 6-12 departmentalized classroom setting within a public school system.
The UCSC single-subject, teacher-credential program offers the following subject areas: mathematics, English, social science, and science. Programs of study are subject to change.
Because program requirements are authorized by statutes and regulated by a state entity, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing program requirements must be responsive to new legislation and regulatory policies. Admission requirements and programs of study referred to are subject to change to comply with regulatory mandates.
Prerequisite Admission Requirements
All candidates for the M.A./Credential program must have preparation in the following areas:
A course, or equivalent experience, that addresses cultural and linguistic diversity. The following UC Santa Cruz undergraduate education courses are examples of courses that meet this requirement: EDUC 128, Immigrants and Education; EDUC 141, Bilingualism and Schooling; EDUC 164, Urban Education; EDUC 181, Race, Class, and Culture in Education. (Additional education undergraduate courses that satisfy this requirement are listed on the Education Department's website.) Other courses offered outside the Education Department may be acceptable however, outside coursework cannot be preapproved, by the department. When applying to the program note your outside coursework in your statement of purpose along with an explanation as to how your coursework addresses cultural and linguistic diversity.
A documented field experience with children or youth in an educational setting at the general age level which the candidate aspires to teach. Experiences such as directed observation, substitute teaching, school tutoring, work in after-school programs, camp counseling, instructional aide, or the equivalent are acceptable experiences. When applying to the program, please describe your field experience in the designated area of the application titled Statement of Purpose.
Application Selection Criteria
Admission to the program is competitive. Candidates for admission are selected, in part, on the following criteria:
Academic Record
College coursework is evaluated with attention to content and grades or narrative evaluations. The appropriateness of courses taken for the credential sought is also taken into consideration. For the multiple subjects credential, students should have an extensive breadth of courses in the core subject areas taught in elementary school—mathematics, science, social science, and English. For the single subject credential, students should have an extensive body of coursework in the content area.
Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample, Letters of Recommendation, Personal History, and Résumé
Information provided in these documents is used in the selection of candidates. All documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
The Statement of Purpose should discuss the following:
- an explanation of why you want to become a teacher
- how your experience has contributed to your motivation and potential to be an educational leader
- a description of your experiences related to youth, cultural and linguistic diversity, and community involvement
Writing Sample:
- a sample of your writing (no more than 10 pages)
- a research-based paper is preferred, for example, a paper written on an educational topic or a paper written in your content area
- alternatively, applicants may choose to write a brief piece specifically for this application
Letters of Recommendation:
- three letters of recommendation are required
- at least one letter should be written by university faculty who can address the applicant’s academic merit and subject area expertise, and at least one letter written by someone in the field who has observed the applicant’s work with children or youth in the applicable general age-group for the credential you are seeking through the UCSC Credential Program.
- it is recommended that these letters are current and address your qualifications in the following areas:
academic performance and subject-area expertise
field work with youth
experience in culturally and linguistically diverse settings and with student populations who have traditionally been underserved in schools and classrooms
Personal History:
- write a statement (approximately two to five pages) explaining how your personal history has influenced your decision to apply to this graduate program
Résumé:
- a résumé that includes an employment history; any relevant volunteer or community work, especially in schools and/or with children; and experiences in multicultural and multilingual settings
- include information on languages (other than English) in which you have competence
Bilingual Authorization Essay (Bilingual Authorization applicants only):
- candidates must submit an essay in Spanish as described in the online application
Admission Requirements
Testing
All required examinations must be met by the stated deadlines.
California Basic Skills Requirement
All admitted applicants must verify completion of the California Basic Educational Skills requirement and submit a passing-status verification by June 1 in order to enroll in the program. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement prior to applying to the program. Exam registration confirmations and/or exam score reports must be submitted at the time of application via the online application.
Information on the options for completing this requirement can be found in the following California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Information Leaflet c1667.
Subject-Matter Competence
California state law mandates that all teachers provide evidence of their subject-matter knowledge (state requirement and subject to change).
Admitted Multiple Subject applicants must submit verification of having passed the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects Subtests I-III by June 10 prior to enrollment in the program. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of passing CSET scores be submitted with the application. Multiple Subject applicants must pass each section of the CSET; no coursework or "waiver" program can substitute for passing CSET scores.
Deadline to complete this requirement: June 10 of each year prior to enrollment into the program. However, applicants are encouraged to complete this requirement prior to applying to the program. Exam registration confirmations and/or exam score reports must be submitted at the time of application via the online application.
Additional information can be found at the CSET Registration website.
Single Subject
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), or verification of an approved subject matter program from the applicant's undergraduate institution is required. Admitted applicants must submit verification of having passed the CSET examination for their subject (e.g., mathematics), or confirmation of 100 percent completion of an approved subject matter program.
Deadline to complete this requirement: June 10 of each year prior to enrollment into the program. However, applicants are encouraged to complete this requirement prior to applying to the program. Exam registration confirmations and/or exam score reports must be submitted at the time of application via the online application. Additional information can be found at the CSET Registration website.
Certificate of Clearance
In accordance with Education Code Section 44320(b), each credential candidate for an initial credential, prior to admission to any credential program, must have their fingerprints cleared by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the California Department of Justice and obtain a Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
To comply with this regulation, the UCSC Education Department requires all applicants to provide evidence of obtaining their clearance as part of their application for admission to the credential program. Applicants are required to upload a copy of their Certificate of Clearance within their program application by the January 15 application deadline.
Detailed instructions for obtaining a Certificate of Clearance including the required LiveScan fingerprinting form LS-41 can be found on the commission’s website.
NOTE: A U.S. Government-issued social security number or ITIN is required to apply for a Certificate of Clearance and the fingerprinting process.
Applicants who hold a valid (non-expired) Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit are not required to reapply for a Certificate of Clearance. Please submit verification of your valid Emergency Permit with your program application by the January 15 application deadline.
Out-of-state/international applicants must contact the UCSC Education Department for further instructions: education@ucsc.edu.
Applicants should be aware that a criminal conviction on their record may preclude them from obtaining a Certificate of Clearance.
Program and State of California Requirements (Not Required for Initial Admission to the Program)
Many of the program and State of California requirements detailed on the Requirements tab may be met, but are not required prior to enrollment in the program. See the link above for details regarding each of these requirements and how they may be met before admission and enrollment.
Bilingual Authorization Candidates
CSET—Spanish Language and Culture of Emphasis Requirements
- The CSET LOTE (Spanish) Subtest III (CSET test code 147) and CSET LOTE (Spanish) Subtest V (CSET test code 258) (Culture of Emphasis) are required. Admitted applicants must submit verification of having passed the examination prior to completing the final quarter of the M.A./Credential program.
Three-page essay in Spanish
Bilingual Program applicants will be required to submit a three-page essay in Spanish with their application to the M.A./Credential Program. The essay should address topical questions listed on the Education M.A. Supplemental Application contained within the online UCSC Graduate School Application.
For further Information
Please contact the department by email to education@ucsc.edu, or view the Education Department’s home pagewhere potential applicants can obtain full details about the programs.
Requirements
Course Requirements
Capstone Requirements
Students will complete a capstone portfolio, which includes a teaching performance assessment and reflective papers. Prompts for these assignments may vary from year to year as they reflect the most current California state credentialing requirements.
Multiple Subject Course Requirements
Take all of the following:
| EDUC200 | Beginning Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC201 | Intermediate Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC202A | Advanced Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC202B | Advanced Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC202C | Advanced Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC203 | Teaching English Language Development: Foundations, Approaches, and Strategies | 5 |
| EDUC205 | Teaching, Learning, and Schooling in a Diverse Society | 5 |
| EDUC207 | Social Foundations of Education | 5 |
| EDUC208 | Portfolio Development | 2 |
| EDUC210 | Health, Safety, and Community | 2 |
| EDUC211 | Teaching Special Populations in the General Education Classroom | 2 |
| EDUC213 | Child and Adolescent Development for Educators | 2 |
| EDUC214 | Contemporary Issues in Education | 2 |
| EDUC217 | Topics in Elementary Education: Physical Education | 2 |
| EDUC218 | Topics in Elementary Education: Visual Arts | 2 |
| EDUC219 | Topics in Elementary Education: Performing Arts | 2 |
| EDUC220 | Reading and Language Arts for Elementary Classrooms | 5 |
| EDUC221 | Science Learning and Teaching in Elementary Classrooms | 5 |
| EDUC222 | Mathematics Learning and Teaching in Elementary Classrooms | 5 |
EDUC 212A, EDUC 212B, EDUC 212C: Bilingual Authorization students only
Single Subject Course Requirements
Take all of the following:
| EDUC200 | Beginning Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC201 | Intermediate Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC201A | Intermediate Student Teaching: Single Subject | 5 |
| EDUC202A | Advanced Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC202B | Advanced Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC202C | Advanced Student Teaching | 5 |
| EDUC204 | Methods of English Language Development: Single Subject | 5 |
| EDUC206 | Teaching, Learning, and Schooling: Single Subject | 5 |
| EDUC207 | Social Foundations of Education | 5 |
| EDUC208 | Portfolio Development | 2 |
| EDUC210 | Health, Safety, and Community | 2 |
| EDUC211 | Teaching Special Populations in the General Education Classroom | 2 |
| EDUC213 | Child and Adolescent Development for Educators | 2 |
| EDUC214 | Contemporary Issues in Education | 2 |
| EDUC225 | Reading Across the Curriculum in Middle School and Secondary | 5 |
EDUC 212A, EDUC 212B, EDUC 212C: Bilingual Authorization students only
Single Subject Credential students enroll in the two methods courses related to their subject area:
| EDUC226 | English Teaching: Theory and Curriculum | 5 |
| EDUC227 | English Teaching for Secondary Classrooms | 5 |
| EDUC228 | Math Education: Research and Practice | 5 |
| EDUC229 | Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary Classroom | 5 |
| EDUC230 | Science Education: Research and Practice | 5 |
| EDUC231 | Teaching Science in the Secondary Classroom | 5 |
| EDUC232 | Social Science: Theory and Curriculum | 5 |
| EDUC233 | Social Science Teaching for Secondary Classrooms | 5 |
Bilingual Authorization Course Requirements
Take all of the following:
| EDUC212A | Bilingualism and Biliteracy: History, Politics, Theory, and Practice | 2 |
| EDUC212B | Bilingualism and Biliteracy: Language, Literacy and Content Instruction | 2 |
| EDUC212C | Bilingualism and Biliteracy: Community and School Partnerships | 2 |
Other Requirements
Program and State of California Requirements
(Not Required for Initial Admission to the Program)
These requirements may be met prior to or while enrolled in the program, but they must be met to be eligible for a California teaching credential.
U.S. Constitution Requirement
A course on the U.S. Constitution (or completion of an examination offered by the Education Department to enrolled students) is required. UCSC-approved courses that meet this requirement are POLI 20, American Politics; POLI 111A/LGST 111A, Constitutional Law; POLI 120A, Congress, President, and the Court in American Politics; and HIS 10A, United States History to 1877.
Admitted applicants must submit verification of completing the U.S. Constitution Requirement prior to completing the final quarter of the M.A./Credential program.
Preliminary Technology (Level 1) Requirement
All candidates for their credential must fulfill the requirements for Level 1 technology skills which includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers in educational settings.
UC Santa Cruz students meet this requirement in one of two ways:
- Option 1: Pass the CSET Preliminary Educational Technology Subsets I & II, (CSET test codes 133 & 134). For more information, see the Technology Subsets I & II information on the CSET website.
- Option 2: Pass the UCSC approved course offered through the UCSC Extension Program, XSC209, Technology in Schools, Introduction (online format).
Admitted applicants must submit verification of completing the Level 1 Technology Requirement prior to completing the final quarter of the M.A./Credential program.
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
Multiple Subjects candidates are required—prior to completion of the program and in order to be recommended for a preliminary credential—to pass the RICA examination. The RICA measures the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to offer effective reading instruction to K–12 students. For more information on the RICA examination, see the RICA examination information on the CSET website.
Candidates should not take this examination prior to completing EDUC 220.
Admitted applicants must submit verification of having passed the RICA prior to completing the final quarter of the M.A./Credential program.
CPR
A certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course (infant, child, and adult) must be completed and valid upon application for the credential.
Admitted applicants must submit verification of obtaining certification in Infant/Child/Adult CPR prior to completing the final quarter of the M.A./Credential program.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
All K-12 schools require anyone working with children to be tested for TB. You can get tested through the UCSC Student Health Center (831-459-2500 to make an appointment) or your private doctor. A copy of your official results must be turned into the Education Department before the end of the first summer quarter.
Student Teaching
The successful development of teaching skills in the classrooms is the culmination of a teacher education program. Therefore, candidates must demonstrate, by the end of their program, teaching competence in the classroom. Credentialed public school teachers are responsible for the nurturing of children and youth. Therefore, teaching credential candidates must consistently display conduct befitting the profession. To this end, the candidate must be able to cope with the demands and responsibilities of teaching as outlined below:
- Meet university and program requirements and deadlines (including school expectations during field experiences).
- Plan ahead to anticipate the transportation needs and potential demands of student teaching.
- Be able to adapt to institutional and/or professional expectations and policies.
- Relate appropriately to children, parents, and school staff.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to the social, cultural, and economic context of the school environment.
- Adhere to school expectations for dress, appearance, and personal hygiene.
Candidates whose professional behavior does not meet these minimal standards may be recommended for dismissal from the program.
Beginning Student Teaching, which begins in August during the Summer Bridge between the university summer and fall quarters, constitutes the first classroom observation experience for students in the program, and continues through most of fall quarter. Student teachers are in their classroom placements from 10–14 hours a week depending on the school site schedule. To enroll in this course, students must have a Certificate of Clearance issued and on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Intermediate and advanced student teaching begins late fall and continues through winter and spring, until the end of the academic year in June. Student teachers are placed with cooperating teachers in local schools throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond. Students are in the classroom placements 14 or more hours a week in winter quarter leading toward full time in the classroom by spring quarter. They gradually assume responsibility for preparation, instruction, and evaluation of the class during this period. Supervisors of teacher education give ongoing and frequent support to students in their classroom placements and in seminars at UCSC. Multiple Subject candidates obtain classroom experience in both primary and intermediate grades. Single Subject candidates obtain classroom experience in middle school/junior high and high school.
Admission to EDUC 201 and EDUC 201A, Intermediate Student Teaching, and EDUC 202A-EDUC 202B-EDUC 202C, Advanced Student Teaching, is based on an assessment of academic performance, experience, leadership, and initiative shown in public school placements and required courses taken earlier in the program. Please note that passing the CSET examination is a requirement for Advanced Student Teaching. Students who have not completed the CSET requirement prior to winter quarter will be asked to take a leave of absence from the program.