ELD Credential FAQ

An ELD credential signifies that the holder is qualified to teach English to multilingual students who are learning English as a second language, typically in a self-contained classroom. It is listed with CTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing) as a Single Subject credential in World Language: English Language Development.

Whether you need an ELD credential depends on your existing credential and what you plan to teach. Currently all SDSU credential candidates earn an EL (English Learner) authorization that allows them to teach multilingual English Learners within their content area.  An EL Authorization allows multiple subject teachers to teach ELD in a multiple subject classroom and single subject English teachers to teach designated ELD.  All others can include integrated ELD within their content area but cannot teach a separate designated ELD class.  

Examples

• A math teacher with an English Learner authorization can teach English Learners within their math classroom but they cannot teach a single subject ELD class. For that, they need an ELD credential.  
• Multiple subject teachers with an EL authorization can teach designated and integrated ELD within their multiple subject classroom but not in a secondary classroom. 
• English teachers with an EL authorization, on the other hand, can teach a single subject ELD class since it is within their credential area. They do not need a separate ELD credential.

If you plan to teach designated ELD in a self-contained classroom, and you are not an English teacher with an EL authorization, you need an ELD credential.

In order to apply for an ELD credential, you must have the following:

1. Subject Matter Proficiency via either
   
   1. A bachelor's or higher degree in one of the following
      
      • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
      • Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
   2. CSET World Languages: ELD (open to everyone)
   3. or Current SDSU students can apply for an ELD Subject Matter Evaluation Review selected sample documentation in the appendix of the subject matter evaluation and add your own documentation for evaluation. DLE MA students often meet this criteria and applied linguistics students may as well, but others may require extra courses.
2. Existing (or simultaneous) TK-12 credential
3. A CTC-approved ELD methods course (at SDSU the approved course is DLE 651 - Curriculum, Teaching, and Assessment: Designated and Integrated ELD)
4. File to add an ELD credential
   
   1. SDSU credential students can file via the SDSU credential analyst using a credential request form.
   2. If you already have your credential or are not an SDSU credential student, file directly with CTC. Look for the directions for your current type of credential. You will be adding a single subject credential to your current credential.

1. If you don’t have a credential yet, have a TESOL/TEFL degree (or the equivalent), and intend to primarily teach ELD, then it makes sense to have the ELD credential be your primary credential (e.g. the first credential you earn). 
   
   • If you have a degree in another subject area (say Math), can meet subject matter competency for ELD, and are willing to take methods courses and student teach in both subject areas, then it makes sense to get both credentials simultaneously (what we refer to as stacked).
2. Everyone else should pursue a sequential ELD credential.  Earn a base credential first, then file with CTC to add an ELD credential. In that case, you don’t need to student teach in ELD, just take the ELD methods course and meet subject matter competency.

Whichever route you take, having more than one credential makes you more marketable and districts appreciate the flexibility in assignments!