Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential (Special Education)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TEACHING CHILDREN WITH MILD TO MODERATE DISABILITIES
The Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential (Mild/Moderate Disabilities) program prepares you to become a special education teacher in K-12 classrooms, as well as within other instructional settings geared for children and adults up to age 22. As a graduate of the program, you are specifically equipped to serve students with mild to moderate disabilities, including autism, various learning disabilities, emotional disturbances and other health impairments.
Embedded within the credential program are the state-required authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) and compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.
Successful completion of the program results in a preliminary teaching credential recommendation to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) that must be elevated to a Clear Credential within five years.
START YOUR CAREER AND EARN AN INCOME WHILE COMPLETING YOUR CREDENTIAL
The Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential is available only through our Intern Teaching - Standard option. The Intern Teaching - Standard option is ideal for those wishing to pursue their teaching certification while earning an income as a paid teacher-of-record at an Alliant-approved site. You will also engage in online coursework, on-ground seminars and mentoring. The choice is yours whether you wish to complete your pedagogy coursework before securing an intern teaching position, or pursue both simultaneously.
STANDARD INTERN TEACHING AT-A-GLANCE
- 24 units (credential only)
- Online Master's in Teaching optional (additional 9 units)
- Hybrid program with both online courses and on-ground, monthly evening seminars
- Weekly evening seminars plus one Saturday seminar per month
- Two semesters (each 18 weeks) as a paid teacher-of-record at an Alliant-approved school site with a field supervisor
- Minimum of 4 classroom observations and mentoring conferences with an Alliant field supervisor each semester
Note: Students are responsible for finding and securing an approved Intern Teaching position.
INTERN TEACHING REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the Hufstedler School of Education's general admission requirements, intern teaching credential candidates must comply with several additional requirements mandated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) before beginning any intern teaching assignment. These requirements are meant to both guarantee your own success in the classroom and students' safety.
Please note that these are not requirements for entry into the preliminary teaching credential program - only to participate in the intern teaching portion of the program. Alliant staff will help guide you through meeting these requirements, which include:
- CCTC credential application (41-4 form)
- Receipt of Livescan Fingerprinting and Background Clearance
- US Constitution competency
- Offer of Employment letter
- Signed Statement of Release form
- 120 hours of pre-service fulfilled through either Alliant’s 6-week online pre-service course offered during the summer and winter, or prior teaching experience verified by district
- Verification of passing the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test)
- Verification of passing the CSET (California Subject Examination for Teachers) prior to beginning intern teaching placement
EARN YOUR MASTER’S IN TEACHING WITH ONLY THREE ADDITIONAL ONLINE COURSES
Candidates for the Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential have the option to dually enroll in our online Master of Arts in Education in Teaching program, providing you with enhanced instruction and expertise in teaching pedagogy and theory to help shape your applied experience. Obtaining your master's also opens up possibilities for increased financial rewards and employment possibilities, including teaching at community colleges or universities. The master’s can be completed with only three additional online courses beyond the credential.
LOCATIONS OFFERED
Offered at the following campus: San Francisco
CHOOSE AN ACCREDITED UNIVERSITY AND A CTC-APPROVED PROGRAM
The Hufstedler School of Education’s program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Alliant International University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
GET STARTED
- Apply Now Online
- Contact an Admissions Representative
- View General Admissions Requirements and Dates
- View Student Learning Outcomes
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