Teaching Credential Programs

Program Coordinator

Kristin Lower
kjlower@csuchico.edu 
Tehama 401
530-898-6421

• Single Subject Program Admission Requirements
• Single Subject Course Sequences
• Single Subject Program Handbook and Forms

Program Information

The Single Subject Credential Program focuses on developing teachers who

• embrace core democratic values and strive to live and teach by them,
• know the content of the curriculum, including state-adopted standards, and be able to teach it to a diverse population of students,
• design learning experiences based on an understanding of students' physical, intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and linguistic needs,
• utilize assessments to monitor student progress and modify instruction,
• create and maintain a democratic learning environment that supports all students’ academic and personal success,
• develop as a reflective practitioner who exercises legal and ethical responsibility and engages in continuous professional renewal, and
• understand the role of teachers as moral stewards of the school and community.

This program leads to a Preliminary Single Subject Credential for teaching at the secondary school setting - middle or high school. Candidates may begin in fall or spring and participate in supervised teaching practica throughout northeastern California. Subject areas of Music, Art, and World Languages (Spanish) are fall start only. All other subject areas may start in fall or spring.

Candidates are able to complete programs leading to credentials through a variety of delivery options. 

Program Coordinators
Dr. Claudia Bertolone-Smith
cmbertolone-smith@csuchico.edu

Dr. Jamie Cinquini
jacinquini@csuchico.edu

• Multiple Subject Program Admission Requirements
• Multiple Subject Course Sequences
• Multiple Subject Program Handbook and Forms

Program Information

Our Multiple Subject Credential Program focuses on developing teachers who:

• embrace core democratic values and strive to live and teach by them,
• know the content of the curriculum, including state-adopted standards, and are able to teach it to a diverse population of students,
• design learning experiences based on an understanding of students' physical, intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and linguistic needs,
• utilize assessments to monitor student progress and modify instruction,
• create and maintain a democratic learning environment that supports all students’ academic and personal success,
• develop as a reflective practitioner who exercises legal and ethical responsibility and engages in continuous professional renewal, and
• understand the role of teachers as moral stewards of the school and community.

This program leads to a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential (self-contained classroom setting - elementary school). Candidates may begin the program in fall or spring and participate in supervised teaching practica throughout northeastern California.

Candidates are able to complete programs leading to credentials through a variety of delivery options. 

Program Coordinator
Erin Whitney
Tehama 407
530-898-6129
ewhitney@csuchico.edu

• Education Specialist Handbooks and Forms
• Education Specialist Course Sequences
• Education Specialist Credential Program Admission Requirements

The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program, with authorizations for Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) or Extensive Support Needs (ESN), prepares future teachers to serve children, youth, and adults who have special learning or emotional needs. The Education Specialist Credential may be used in K-12 resource rooms, special day classes, or alternative settings. Education Specialists function in public schools or private settings as instructors and as consultants to teachers and to families. As a credential candidate, you may choose to pursue either the Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) or the Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Authorization for the Education Specialist Credential.

Types of Credentials

Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN)

The Preliminary Education Specialist Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Credential authorizes service in grades K-12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22 who have:

• Specific learning disabilities
• Mild/Moderate support needs
• Autism
• Emotional disturbance
• Intellectual disability
• Multiple disabilities
• Orthopedic impairment 
• Other health impairment
• Traumatic brain injury

Extensive Support Needs (ESN)

The Preliminary Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Credential authorizes service in grades K-12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22 who have:

• Autism
• Deafblind
• Extensive support needs
• Intellectual disability
• Multiple disabilities
• Emotional disturbance
• Traumatic brain injury

Special Features

The Education Specialist Credential Program addresses the California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) and Education Specialist Competencies. In addition, the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program offers the following courses and supervised teaching experiences:

• Relevant special education field/supervised teaching experiences
• Teaching of reading and content literacy
• Teaching of evidence-based interventions
• Special education laws and regulations
• Service learning methods
• Strategies for teaching English Learners
• Strategies for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Program Features

• Fall or spring semester entry 
• Introductory prerequisite classes offered without formal program admission
• Assistance with preparation for employment

After Employment

Preliminary Education Specialist Credential holders have five years in which to complete the clear Education Specialist Credential through an accredited induction program. An optional program extension you may pursue is a Master's Degree in Education.

Program Coordinator
Erin Whitney
Tehama 407
530-898-6129
ewhitney@csuchico.edu

• Education Specialist and Multiple Subject Credential Program Admission Requirements
• Paraprofessional Course Sequences (Listed under the respective credential type)

Program Information

The Paraprofessional Credential Program is a 1.5 year online program designed to allow paraprofessionals working at least 20 hours/week as instructional aides within CSU, Chico’s service area  to maintain employment while completing coursework and practica experiences under the guidance of a Mentor Teacher and a University Supervisor. The first semester of the program is coursework only, and the practica experiences begin in the 2nd semester. During the two required practicum semesters, the candidate works with a Mentor Teacher and University Supervisor while completing 400 documented hours of lesson planning, teaching, student assessment, and other instructional tasks. This option is available for candidates seeking a Multiple Subject OR Education Specialist credential. 

CSU, Chico School of Education Service Area

Program Features

• Fall entry only
• Introductory prerequisite classes offered without formal program admission
• Assistance with preparation for employment

After Employment

Preliminary Education Specialist Credential holders have five years in which to complete the clear Education Specialist or Multiple Subject Credential through an accredited induction program. An optional program extension you may pursue is a Master's Degree in Education.

Program Coordinator
Stacy Doughman
sdoughman@csuchico.edu 

• Concurrent Program Admission Requirements
• Concurrent Course Sequences
• Concurrent Handbook and Forms

The Concurrent Preliminary Education Specialist (mild/moderate support needs) and Preliminary Single or Multiple Subject Credential Program combines special education (K-12) and general education preparation in order to prepare future teachers to meet the diverse needs of students, kindergarten through grade 12.

Program Description

Graduates of the Concurrent Program are highly sought after by California schools because they are well prepared to teach at-risk and special needs students, whether in a general education classroom or in specialist educational settings.

Preliminary Single or Multiple Subject Credential requirements, as well as the requirements for a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential with authorization in Mild/Moderate support needs, are completed through upper-division prerequisites and one academic year of course work and student teaching. The Education Specialist credential may be used in K-12 resource rooms, special day classes, or alternative settings. Upon completing the Concurrent Program, students will have completed approximately one-half the requirements for a Master's degree in Education with a special education advising pattern option.

After employment, Preliminary Education Specialist credential holders have five years in which to complete the Clear Education Specialist and Single or Multiple Subject Credential through an accredited induction program. Optional program extensions you may pursue include:

• Master's degree in Education (special education advising pattern available)
• A Extensive Support Needs Authorization for the Education Specialist Credential.

Special Features

The Concurrent Preliminary Education Specialist and Preliminary Single Subject Credential Program offer the following courses and supervised teaching experiences:

• Relevant general and special education field/supervised teaching experiences
• Coursework with experienced and engaging faculty
• Teaching of reading and content literacy
• Teaching of evidence-based interventions
• Special Education laws and regulations
• Service learning methods
• Strategies for teaching English Learners
• Strategies for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Elizabeth Stevens
Tehama 215
530-898-4026
eastevens@csuchico.edu 

• Bilingual Authorization Handbook and Forms
• Bilingual Course Sequences
• Bilingual Program Admission Requirements

Program Information

The Bilingual Authorization Credential Program prepares ideologically clear, transformative, bilingual teachers as advocates to sustain the cultural and linguistic assets of minoritized students and their families. With an emphasis on the development of high academic achievement, bilingualism, biliteracy and sociocultural competence, bilingual candidates with the added authorization to their multiple subject (grades K-8) or single subject (grades 6-12) credential learn to foster positive academic, social and liberatory life outcomes for multilingual students in K-12 dual immersion and/or general education classroom settings. The two-semester, post-baccalaureate professional preparation program provides candidates with substantial opportunities for both observation and instruction to effectively serve Emergent Bi/Multilingual learners. Prior to completion of the credential program, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the target language. Nine to twelve units of coursework can be applied toward a Master of Arts degree in Education.

The BEST (Belong, Engage, Support, and Transform) Teacher Residency Program launched October 1, 2024! The BEST program is a Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant-funded opportunity for teachers interested in earning a Master’s degree and Multiple Subject teaching credential. We are accepting applications due Spring 2025 (March 1) for our first cohort starting in Summer (June) 2025.

Are You Eligible?

The BEST Program is a yearlong Teacher Residency that helps you launch your teaching career while earning a Master of Arts in Teaching and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential—all in an accelerated timeline. With a living wage stipend to support you, you’ll join a welcoming community of peers, learning practical teaching strategies like inclusive pedagogy, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices to make a real difference in the lives of your students.

Apply to Cohort 1

Program Components

• Collaborate with experienced Mentor Teachers and supportive University Supervisors.
• Apply practical tools for action research, data analysis, and student assessment.
• Learn inclusive teaching strategies that ensure every student thrives.
• Participate in professional development focused on social-emotional learning.
• Gain skills in trauma-informed and healing-centered engagement (HCE).
• Join a supportive cohort of peers for connection and belonging.
• Receive equitable guidance and support from caring faculty and staff.
• Be part of a collaborative and impactful educational community.
• Partake in Co-planning & Co-teaching in real classroom settings.
• Receive a living wage stipend of up to $52,000.
• Build connections in diverse, high-need rural school districts in the following locations: Corning, Los Molinos, Palermo & Thermalito.

Benefits of a Master's Degree

• Lead and inspire in your community.
• Build resilience and confidence in yourself and your work.
• Foster meaningful and inclusive conversations in your classroom.
• Use practical teaching strategies that make a real impact.
• Take a step forward in your career and increase your earning potential.
• Make a lasting difference by shaping the future through education.
• Create a rewarding and sustainable teaching career with financial stability.

Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certification

Program Coordinator
Erin Whitney
Tehama 407
530-898-6129
ewhitney@csuchico.edu

About the Program

The Education Specialist Add-on Credential Program allows individuals who already hold a special education credential to earn a second special education credential for the desired authorization area. Education Specialist Credentials are issued with one of two authorization areas: Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs. 

Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) 

The Preliminary Education Specialist Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Credential authorizes service in grades K-12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22 who have:

• Specific learning disabilities
• Mild to moderate support needs
• Autism
• Emotional disturbance
• Intellectual disability 
• Multiple disabilities
• Orthopedic impairment
• Other health impairment
• Traumatic brain injury

Extensive Support Needs (ESN)

The Preliminary Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Credential authorizes service in grades K-12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22 who have:

• Autism
• Deafblind
• Extensive support needs
• Intellectual disability
• Multiple disabilities
• Emotional disturbance
• Traumatic brain injury

Forms

• Education Specialist Add-On Credential Application
• Add-On Education Specialist Course Sequence listed under the Education Specialist section

Program Coordinator

Elizabeth Stevens
Tehama 215
530-898-4026
eastevens@csuchico.edu 

Post-Credential Bilingual Authorization Description 

The Post-Credential Bilingual Authorization prepares credentialed educators to become ideologically clear, transformative, bilingual teacher advocates that work to sustain the cultural and linguistic assets of minoritized students and their families. With an emphasis on the development of high academic achievement, bilingualism, biliteracy and sociocultural competence, credentialed bilingual teachers with the added authorization to their multiple subject (grades K-8) or single subject (grades 6-12) credential learn to foster positive academic, social and liberatory life outcomes for multilingual students in K-12 dual immersion and/or general education classroom settings. The Post-Credential Bilingual Authorization allows educators the opportunity to effectively serve Emergent Bi/Multilingual learners while they are employed in K-12 schools. Prior to completion of authorization, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the target language. Six units of coursework can be applied toward a Master of Arts degree in Education.

Post-Credential Bilingual Authorization Application

Post-Credential Bilingual Authorization Course Sequence listed under the Bilingual section