Frequently Asked Questions about Teacher Credentialing

Q:   How long is the program? 
A:   For those taking it after achievement of a B.A. degree, it is two semesters plus three weeks. It is available to be completed in one year; however, some choose to spread it out over more semesters.

Q:   What is the ASPIRE/Ed Minor Program? 
A:   Undergraduates in the traditional day program or ASPIRE degree-completion students may take their credentialing coursework while earning their B.A. degree. They spread the credentialing coursework (five courses) over several semesters. Once they graduate, they can begin student teaching. Undergraduates must be admitted into the Education Minor in order to participate in credentialing courses. The application process is the same as for those who already have their B.A. degree. The Education Minor has 21 credits, but only 17 match the teacher credentialing program. The optional other four credits are courses that can enhance your teaching or be used as bridge credits toward your B.A.degree.

Q:   Are there grants or loans available for teacher credentialing? 
A:   Yes, there are several packages, even some to assume your loans if you teach in a low-performing school. Talk to the enrollment counselor in admissions. Simpson has an excellent support system to help students navigate the ins and outs of financial aid.

Q:   Can I start any fall or spring semester? 
A:   Yes, and we have day and evening classes, too. You can choose day or evening or any combination to fit your needs. Each course meets only one day a week. Some choose to put the courses on two, three, or four different days.

Q:   What tests do I take?
A:   Multiple Subjects: CBEST, CSET for multiple subjects, RICA for multiple-subject candidates only (a test to assess how you teach reading); for CSET test preparation see http://www.simpsonuniversity.edu/faculty/arocca/cset.html.

Multiple and Single Subjects:  An additional assessment is the Teaching Performance Assessment. This is not a paper-pencil test, but a portfolio of documents and videos you make to show you understand and can teach in several areas. You are guided through the four assessments during your coursework and student teaching.

Single Subjects: CBEST, CSET for your single-subject area (or the CSET can be waived if you have a subject waiver degree).

Q:   Can I get CLAD certification?
A:   You automatically earn this in the program. CLAD certification refers to the strategies used to teach students for whom English is a second language. Certification is now called English Learner Instruction Authorization. It is woven throughout the credentialing program. You do not have to take a test for it. 

Q:   Can I keep working at my job? 
A:   Yes, you can during coursework semesters, but since student teaching is all day for a whole semester (about 18 weeks) it would not allow time for outside work. Student teachers are involved with teaching the same hours as their master teachers, plus some extra. Please note that if you take all 17 units of coursework in one semester, you will have about 52 hours a week devoted to this program (17 hours in class, about 5 hours a week observing in the schools, and two hours of study for every hour you are in class = 52 hours). This doesn’t leave much time or family or work. You may choose to spread the 17 units over two semesters, then student teach the third semester. We highly recommend splitting coursework over two semesters.

Q:   How many courses are there? 
A:   Nine. You can take the first five the first semester (17 units).The five core classes are Language Arts, Curriculum and Instruction, Multicultural Education, Psychology, and Integrating Technology. Next is Student Teaching and Student Teaching Performance Development. Then during only three weeks after Student Teaching you complete Philosophical Foundations of Education, and Induction Preparation Plan and you have a preliminary teaching credential. The course Student Teaching Performance Development contains instruction on health and safety in the schools, teaching special populations, and student teaching seminars. This is scheduled one afternoon a week during student teaching from 3:30-5:30 p.m.  The State of California also requires a course on the U.S. Constitution (Shasta College 17A & 17B, Pols 2, or Simpson HIST 2330 and HIST 2340). There is also a test option in our office for $70.The new teacher credentialing law, SB 2042, is designed so you will receive your preliminary credential from an institution, like Simpson University. Then after you are hired, you will have a two-year induction program in which you are given a mentor to guide you through your first two years of teaching. At the end of this time you are recommended for your clear credential by the induction program called BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment).

Q:   How do I get started? 
A:   Contact Enrollment Services at (530) 226-4606 or 1-888-9-SIMPSON. They will give you the application form. You may also visit the School of Education office, Grubbs Learning Center (library), Room 101, and we will be happy to talk with you.

Q:   Are fingerprints and TB clearance necessary? 
A:   Before you can begin the credentialing courses as either a post-B.A. student or an undergraduate student, you must complete your fingerprint submission and TB clearance required by law. We will help you with this in our Education Office. Do the fingerprints early since they can take awhile to get back. The cost will be close to $100. Fingerprint clearance must be back in our office before you are eligible to student teach.

Q:   What else is special about Simpson's Education Program? 
A:   We have the best program! Our students have a great reputation for being excellent beginning teachers, AND they get hired. The area administrators tell us they like to hire our teachers -- new Simpson teachers know their stuff. You get extra help on CSET, and you can even student teach overseas.

Working with you will be five full-time professors plus several adjunct professors who are currently teaching in area schools. Your professors are:

• Dr. Al Rocca (Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary)
• Dr. Carol Wertz (Multicultural Instruction)
• Dr. Richard Harris (Director of Student Teaching)
• Dr. Neita Novo (Language Arts for Elementary)
• Dr. Ron McGraw (Psychology)
• Dr. Tom Forbes (Computers, Philosophy)
• Professor Karen Frost (Health and Safety)
• Professor Becky Haight (Special Populations)
• Professor Matt Garrett (Language Arts for Secondary)
• Dr. Paul Jones (Curriculum and Instruction for Secondary)
• Professor David Peek (Computers)
• Dr. Glee Brooks, Dean of Education