ELEVAR Dual Credential Program

Multiple Subject Bilingual and Education Specialist Teaching Credentials

The ELEVAR Multiple Subject Bilingual and Education Specialist Credential program is a dual credential program that prepares you to teach in both bilingual elementary classrooms and in special education settings. This program responds to a statewide initiative to address teacher shortages. This critical need for teachers (Bilingual/Special Education) in the state of California skyrocketed after the passage of Proposition 58 and the development of bilingual/dual language programs as these continue to grow in demand across the state of California. High needs areas with lack of access to these credential opportunities; such as rural areas, border regions, and low SES areas in San Diego and Imperial counties will clearly benefit from teachers with the dual credential and the resulting competencies.

Special Education, DLE Team Up to Develop Dual Credential Program

In 2023, the College of Education reported on this accelerated pathway that would prepare teachers for both bilingual and special education settings. This program, ELEVAR, is now a reality.

Program of Study

Semester 1

DLE 523 - Psychological Foundations for Biliteracy Teachers in K-6 Classrooms (3 units)
DLE 910 - Teaching Mathematics to Bilingual Students (3 units)
DLE 915A - Teaching and Learning in the Content Area: Designated and Integrated English Language Development-Multiple Subject (3 units)
DLE 532 - Biliteracy Teaching in Language Arts for Elementary Students (3 units)
ED 970 - Teaching Event Assessment (CalTPA Cycle 1, 2 units)
DLE 961 - Practicum in Elementary Bilingual Classroom (4-8 units)
DLE 954 - Classroom Organization for Democratic Teaching in Bilingual Classrooms (4 units)
ED 450 - Study Abroad in Mexico (2 units)

Semester 2

DLE 911 - Teaching Social Studies to Bilingual Students (3 units)
DLE 912 - Teaching Science to Bilingual Students (3 units)
DLE 931 - Skills in Teaching Reading to Bilingual Elementary Students (3 units)
DLE 962 - Student Teaching for Elementary Bilingual Students II (4-8 units)
DLE 960 - Professional Seminar for Bilingual Teacher Candidates (4 units)
ED 970 - Teaching Event Assessment (CalTPA Cycle 2, 2 units)

Semester 3

SPED 547 - Special Education Adaptations of Basic Skills Instruction (3 units)
SPED 562 - Collaboration, Legislation, and Educational Planning in Special Education (2 units)
SPED 530 - Issues in Autism (3 units)

Semester 4

SPED 980A or SPED 980B - Advanced Practicum in Special Education (MM or ESN, 4 units)
SPED 545 - Issues in Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Need (ESN, 3 units); or SPED 548 - Advanced Special Education Adaptations (MM, 3 units)
SPED 534 - Classroom Assessment of Students with MM & ESN Disabilities (3 units)
SPED 557 - Facilitating Transition Across Environments in Special Education (2 units)
SPED 553 - Behavioral Strategies and Supports for Students with Disabilities (3 units)
SPED 505 - Educational Services for Students with Serious Emotional Disturbance (1 unit)
SPED 560 - Applications of Technology for Individuals with Disabilities (3 units)
SPED 526 - Characteristics and Education of Students with Physical, Health, and Sensory Impairments (for ESN only, 3 units)

Begin Your Credential with an Immersive Cross-Border Experience

ED 450: Transborder Education Experience (2 units) is a four-day immersive course for bilingual teacher candidates held in and around Tijuana and Tecate.

Through site visits and collaboration with Mexican educators, students explore education and immigration issues from a social justice perspective. The course encourages reflection, cross-cultural understanding, and prepares candidates to teach with empathy and global awareness. It also helps build strong cohort connections from the start of the credential program.