Credential Programs
Welcome to the School of Education and teacher credentialing. We are looking to work with new teachers who have a heartbeat for kids and a passion for learning. The profession of teaching is a most noble one, which touches lives far into the future. At Simpson University we prepare multiple and single subject teachers to guide and inspire their students to high achievement and quality character.
Simpson has talented faculty and mentors. All of the full-time faculty and many adjunct faculty have doctorates. They were selected based upon their exemplary careers and talents in mentoring new teachers. Collectively, they have served as teachers and administrators in private, missionary, public and overseas schools.
The Simpson teacher credentialing program prepares you for success. Hallmarks of our teacher credentialing program are experiences in working with children from diverse cultures, skills in technology and classroom management, and skills in developing academic achievement and character in students.
Candidates have rich experiences working with children. Student teachers receive weekly visits and feedback from the university supervisors. Supervision is performed by full-time education faculty and exemplary university supervisors.
Simpson prepares teachers for single subjects for 7-12 grades and multiple subjects for K-8 instruction. Multiple subject student teachers may choose to do one-half of student teaching in placements away from the Redding area. We want candidates to student teach where they plan to get a job, so we place them across California, other states and international schools around the world.
We have a convenient schedule for busy lives. Most courses meet once a week to accommodate the lives of busy adults. Although the program can be completed in nine months, we encourage candidates to spread the coursework prior to student teaching over two semesters. This approach works well for cogent learning and allows time for the necessities of life. The five courses are followed by 17 weeks of student teaching which is full-time. By choosing the three-semester program, plus one week, candidates can maximize their financial aid to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
We carefully mentor our students. Our students express their gratitude about how personally they are cared for in our program. Faculty and staff are available and willing to advise and assist students.
We would love to work with you in pursuit of your dream to become a professional educator.
Glee Brooks, Ed.D.
Dean of Education
A single subject credential authorizes the holder to teach specific subject matter content in a departmentalized setting, generally grades 7 through 12. This page provides a general overview of the program. For specific details and application information, please contact Enrollment Services (530-226-4633).
Single Subject Supplementary Authorization(s) allows the holder to teach a specific subject in a departmentalized setting up through the 9th grade. For example, an English Supplementary Authorization would allow the holder to teach English classes in many junior high schools, middle schools, and freshman-level courses at the high-school level. This has the potential to broaden employment opportunities.
There are 18 credits of core courses required prior to student teaching. Student teaching is for 17 weeks in either the fall or spring.
Current single-subject credential holders may add an additional single-subject credential by passing the appropriate CSET subject-matter tests without completing more student teaching or taking additional course-work.
Current single subject credential holders may add the multiple-subject credential by passing the CSET for multiple-subject, the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA), and completing a 3-credit multiple subject curriculum course.
Subject Matter Competency
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requires that candidates verify subject matter competency in one of two ways prior to student teaching.
One option is to pass the appropriate CSET subject-matter tests. All required tests must be passed prior to student teaching. Test registration is available at http://www.cset.nesinc.org/.
The other option is to complete a CCTC approved Subject Matter Program that waives the need to take the tests described above.
Basic Skills Requirements
All candidates must pass Basic Skills Test. The two options are:
- CBEST for single subject candidates
- CSET for multiple subjects with Test IV on writing
Sample Schedule
Course Schedules
- School of Education Course Schedules (be sure to click the Graduate Studies tab when you get there)
Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA)
All SB2042 multiple and single subject preliminary credential candidates are required to pass the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). This assessment is designed to develop teaching knowledge, skills, and abilities during the teacher-preparation program. The TPA is embedded in coursework and designed to be both formative and summative.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
Content Standards
Content Standards provide information regarding standards and frameworks designed to encourage the highest achievement of every K-12 student by defining the knowledge, concepts, and skills that students should acquire at each grade level.
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English-language arts and mathematics were adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) on August 2, 2010.
Curriculum Frameworks
Frameworks are blueprints for implementing the content standards adopted by the California State Board of Education and are developed by the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission.
A multiple subject credential authorizes the holder to teach all subject matter content in a self-contained setting, generally kindergarten through grade 8. This web page provides a general overview of the program. For specific details and application information, please contact Enrollment Services (530-226-4633).
California has comparability with many other states, meaning that a California teaching credential is honored in those states.
A full-time multiple subject student may complete all credential requirements in as few as two consecutive academic semesters, plus one week in a third semester. However, students are strongly encouraged to use three semesters, plus one week.
There are 18 credits of core courses required prior to student teaching. Student teaching is a 17 week experience in either the fall or spring semester at two different grade levels and two different schools. One-half of the student teaching can be at a non-public school in California, other states or countries.
A Single Subject Supplementary Authorization(s) allows the holder to teach a specific subject in a departmentalized setting up through grade 9. For example, an English Supplementary Authorization would allow the holder to teach English classes in many junior high schools, middle schools, and freshman-level courses at the high school level. This has the potential to broaden employment opportunities.
Current multiple-subject credential holders may add the single-subject credential by passing the required CSET exams and completing a 3-credit single-subject curriculum course.
Subject Matter Competency
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requires that candidates verify subject matter competency by passage of the CSET prior to student teaching.
Basic Skills Requirement
All candidates must pass a Basic Skills Test prior to student teaching. The two options are:
- CBEST
- CSET for multiple subjects with Test IV on writing
Sample Schedule
Course Schedules
- School of Education Course Schedules (be sure to click the Graduate Studies tab when you get there)
Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA)
All SB2042 multiple and single subject preliminary credential candidates are required to pass the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). This assessment is designed to develop teaching knowledge, skills, and abilities during the teacher preparation program. The TPA is embedded in coursework and designed to be both formative and summative.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
Content Standards
Content Standards provide information regarding standards and frameworks designed to encourage the highest achievement of every K-12 student by defining the knowledge, concepts, and skills that students should acquire at each grade level.
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English-language arts and mathematics were adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) on August 2, 2010.
Curriculum Frameworks
Frameworks are blueprints for implementing the content standards adopted by the California State Board of Education and are developed by the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission.
Students seeking a California Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential should choose to major in Liberal Studies. The addition of the Education Minor may shorten the credentialing process. Students will receive advisement counseling regarding the use of the Education Minor courses.
Application for admission to the Education minor should be made through the School of Education during the fall of the sophomore year. Completion of the preliminary credential includes a post-Baccalaureate semester of student teaching. Multiple subjects candidates may, with the Dean's approval, choose to do half of their student teaching in their home community, nationally or internationally.
Simpson University's Preliminary Teaching Credential for Multiple Subjects and Single Subject are fully accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Required Courses
- EDUC 2000 Intro to Education (3, Sp)
- EDUC 4020 Psychological Applications in Education (3)
- EDUC 4400 Language Arts (4)
- EDUC 4420 Curriculum and Instruction (5)
- EDUC 4250 Technology for Teaching and Learning (3)
- EDUC 4460 Multicultural Instruction (3)
- EDUC 4610 Teaching Performance Assessment 1 (0)
Post-baccalaureate Courses
- ED 5440/5441 Student Teaching (10)
- ED 5601 Student Teaching Performance Development A (5)
- ED 5602 Student Teaching Performance Development B (5)
- ED 5620 Teaching Performance Assessment 2 (0)
- ED 5630 Teaching Performance Assessment 3 (0)
- ED 5640 Teaching Performance Assessment 4 (0)
- ED 5660 Induction Preparation (1)
- ED 6000 Philosophical Foundations in Education (2)
Student teaching in local elementary schools (for multiple-subject candidates) or secondary schools (for single-subject candidates) is for 17 weeks, under the guidance of a university supervisor with the cooperation of master teachers. Candidates gain experience in multicultural settings and in regular classrooms.
Student teaching is done in cooperation with public schools. For multiple-subject candidates, there may be opportunity for one of the two assignments to be in a non-public school or in a foreign country.
Student Teaching Supervisors
Merlina Phillips, M.A. - Director of Student Teaching
mphillips@simpsonu.eduB.A., Humboldt State University
M.A., University of LaVerne
David Allen, M.A.
dallen@simpsonu.eduB.A., California State University, Chico
M.A., California State University, Chico
Colleen Burdett, M.A.
cburdett@simpsonu.eduB.A., California State University, Chico
M.A., California State University, Chico
Dwayne Corbin, D.M.A.
dcorbin@simpsonu.eduB.M.E., Wheaton College
M.M., Central Washington University
D.M.A., University of Cincinnati
Lloyd Dowell, M.A.
ldowell@simpsonu.eduB.A., San Diego State College
M.A., California State University, Los Angeles
Joe Funderberg, M.S.
jfunderburg@simpsonu.eduB.S., Southern Oregon University
M.S., Southern Oregon University
Jamie Hansen, M.A.
jhansen@simpsonu.eduB.A., University of Northern Colorado
M.A., University of Northern Colorado
Lois Havlicek, M.S.
lhavlick@simpsonu.eduB.S., St. Cloud University
M.S., University of California, Los Angeles
Diane Kempley, Ed.D.
dkempley@simpsonu.eduB.A., California State University, Chico
M.A., Simpson University
Ed.D., University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Connie Mendonca
cmendonca@simpsonu.eduB.A., California State University San Diego
M.A., Simpson University
Dellene Ott, M.A.
dott@simpsonu.eduB.A., California State University, Fresno
M.A., California State University, San Jose
Jon Roberts, B.A.
jroberts@simpsonu.eduB.A., Humbolt State University
Teaching Credential, Humboldt State University
Helpful Resources
Credential Analyst
Georgia MacMillan
Credential Analyst
530-226-4942
gmacmillan@simpsonu.edu
Candidates should meet with the credential analyst as soon as possible after the final admissions interview with the School of Education faculty to apply for a Certificate of Clearance. This allows you to observe and participate in local K-12 classrooms. The process includes a live-scan of fingerprints and an accompanying fee.
Submission for a certificate of clearance is required to be able to attend the first course in teaching credentialing which has observation requirements.
Job Placement File Information provides information related to setting up and maintaining a professional placement file through the School of Education. Related documents include the Placement Cover Form; the form for; "student waiver of right to inspect letters of reference in a Simpson University placement file;" and the Registration for Placement Service form. These forms can be obtained at the School of Education office.
For the forms and procedures listed above, please see our student teaching page.
Credentialing Resource Links
Renew Credentials
The following link will direct you to Simpson University's California Teaching Credential license passage rates: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/reports/T2_State_Report_2010-2011.pdf
Teacher Performance Assessments
Teacher Performance Assessments (CalTPAs) are required by the State of California in order to fulfill the requirements for a California Teaching Credential. They consist of four tasks; Subject Specific Pedagogy, Designing Instruction, Assessing Learning, and Culminating Teaching Experience. The first task is completed during coursework. It consists of four case studies. The other tasks, directly related to classroom experiences, are completed during student teaching. The tasks are scored by assessors who have been trained and calibrated through the State of California. Candidates must achieve score levels of 3 or 4 in order to pass. The candidate must pass all four tasks in order to apply for a California Teaching Credential. Students will be required to set up a Taskstream account to enable scoring of their TPA's.
FAQs
A: The sequence used by most candidates includes two semesters of coursework and one semester of student teaching followed by the one week course, Philosophical Foundations in Education.
A: Undergraduates in the traditional day program or ASPIRE degree-completion program 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.
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.
A: Yes, each course meets one day a week during the fall and spring semesters. There are also courses available during the summer.
A: Multiple Subjects: CSET for multiple subjects, CBEST or CSET Test IV on writing, RICA for multiple-subject candidates only (a test to assess how you teach reading); Single Subjects: CBEST, CSET for your single-subject area (or the CSET can be waived if you have a subject waiver degree). 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.
A: Yes, you can during coursework semesters, but since student teaching is all day for a whole semester (17 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 18 units of coursework in one semester, you will have about 52 hours a week devoted to this program (18 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). You may choose to spread the 18 units over two semesters, then student teach the third semester. We highly recommend splitting coursework over two semesters.
A: Nine plus student teaching and TPAs. You can take the first five the first semester (18 units), although we recommend spreading them over two semesters. The five core classes are Language Arts, Curriculum and Instruction, Multicultural Education, Psychology, Technology in Teaching and Learning. Next is Student Teaching, Student Teaching Performance Development, and once a week seminars that include instruction on health safety, teaching special populations, philosophical foundations in education, and induction preparation. 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 online. 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).
A: You can apply online today by filling out our Online Application for Admission. You can also contact Enrollment Services at (530) 226-4606 or 1-888-9-SIMPSON. They will give you guidance on the Admission Process. You may also visit the School of Education Office, Grubbs Learning Center (library), Room 101, and we will be happy to talk with you.
A: Before you can begin the credentialing courses, 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 around $100.
A: We have the best program! Our students have a great reputation for being excellent beginning teachers. The area administrators tell us they like to hire our teachers -- new Simpson teachers know their stuff, and you can even student teach overseas.
Your professors are
- Dr. Carol Wertz (Multicultural Instruction)
- Dr. Richard Harris (Associate Dean)
- Dr. Neita Novo (Language Arts for Elementary, Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary, Director of TPA)
- Dr. Ron McGraw (Psychology)
- Dr. Tom Forbes (Technology, Philosophy)
- Professor Cindy O’Leary (Special Populations)
- Professor Matt Garrett (Language Arts for Secondary)
- Dr. Paul Jones (Curriculum and Instruction for Secondary)
- Dr. Glee Brooks, Dean of Education
- Professor Merlina Phillips, Director of Student Teaching
- Professor David Peek (TPA Support)
- Dr. Cynthia Magnuson (Psychological Applications in Education)
- Professor Cathy Szychulda (Introduction Preparation)
