Chapter 1: Credential Program Information

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

The credential programs at Dominican University are authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) to prepare candidates for teaching responsibilities in regular and special classrooms in elementary, middle and high schools. Candidates participate in a program that combines academic preparation (coursework) with extensive experiences in schools (fieldwork).

Candidates who successfully complete the program earn preliminary credentials as outlined in California’s Learning to Teach System (Chapter 1). Professional Clear credential preparation, as well as periodic credential renewal requirements, serves to create a teacher training model that supports Dominican University’s commitment to on-going professional development.

• Mission of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology
• Candidate Learning Outcomes for Credential Programs
• California’s Learning-to-Teach System 
• Professional Conduct and Obligations 

DEMONSTRATING SUBJECT MATTER KNOWLEDGE 

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires two general kinds of knowledge and skills from its teachers: (1) knowing how to teach, which you demonstrate by completing an approved teacher education program such as Dominican’s; and (2) knowing subject matter, which you demonstrate either through academic course work or through examination. The standards for subject matter knowledge are established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, through expert panels composed of teachers, administrators, teacher educators, and university subject specialists.

• Examinations (CSET Multiple Subject and CSET Single Subject)
• Subject Matter Preparation Programs (Single Subject Candidates Only)
• Subject Matter Requirements for Student Teaching
• Subject Matter Requirements for Intern Positions

CREDENTIAL AND PERMIT DEFINITIONS 

The following are examples of various types of Credentials and Permits.

• Intern Credential
• Multiple/Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential
• Education Specialist Preliminary Credential
• Provisional Internship Permit
• Short-Term Staff Permit
• Subject Matter Authorizations
• Supplementary Authorizations