Dewan: Streamlining the teacher credentialing process

Teaching is a rewarding career. A major shift in California may make it easier for those aspiring to have a career in education to obtain a California teaching credential.

Thanks to Senate Bill 153, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on June 29 to address the teacher shortage and reduce roadblocks to the education profession, candidates in most credential programs no longer need to provide additional evidence of competence in basic skills if they hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Prior to SB 153, options for meeting the basic skills requirement included the following:

• Complete qualifying college coursework in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test.
• Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects plus the CSET: Writing Skills Examination.
• Demonstrate proficiency on the California State University Early Assessment Program.
• Demonstrate proficiency on the California State University Placement Examinations.
• Pass a basic skills examination from another state.
• Achieve the minimum acceptable scores on the College Board SAT examination.
• Achieve the minimum acceptable scores on the ACT examination.
• Achieve the minimum acceptable scores on selected College Board Advanced Placement examinations.

This new option allows applicants to satisfy the basic skills requirement by simply submitting official transcripts showing conferral of their qualifying degree. These provisions take effect immediately.

Individuals who previously applied to a teaching credential program but haven’t been accepted yet, or those who have been considering a career change to teaching, may find this change eliminates a barrier.

Educators with a bachelor’s degree or higher earned outside of the United States will need to obtain an evaluation of their transcripts through a commission-approved foreign transcript evaluating agency for the degree to be deemed equivalent to a degree earned at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

Some exceptions, however, still require demonstrating basic skills proficiency. These include the Exchange Certificated Employee Credential, Sojourn Certificated Employee Credential, Designated Subjects Supervision and Coordination Credential and the Emergency Substitute Permit for Prospective Teachers.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is updating its materials to reflect this change. More information is available at SB 153.

Anyone thinking of becoming an educator is encouraged to consider learning more. Potential candidates can attend an informational meeting, offered on a weekly or biweekly basis depending on the credential type, to learn more about earning a teaching credential with the Santa Clara County Office of Education Educator Preparation Program.

Additionally, twice each year, the county office of education hosts Step into an Education Career, a resource event available to members of the public who are interested in pursuing or continuing professional careers in the field of education, regardless of their current career or student status. Partners from universities, community colleges, teaching programs, financial aid and credential specialists are available during the event to provide personalized information to attendees and connect them with resources on various career and credential pathways.

Upcoming Step into an Education Career events have been expanded to include information on Career Technical Education credential pathways, along with early learning and preschool educator pathways to meet the increasing need for early education staff. The next events will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 and Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. To learn more, visit the Step into an Education Career page.

San José Spotlight columnist Mary Ann Dewan is the superintendent of schools for Santa Clara County. She has more than 33 years of experience in the field of education. Her columns appear every third Monday of the month.