Local school districts anticipate needing thousands of new teachers in the next few years. For individuals who are committed to making a positive difference for students, this is a fantastic time to pursue a teaching credential. No matter your major, you can start preparing today for a career in teaching.
Pathways to PK–12 Teaching
To become a teacher you need a California Preliminary Teaching Credential. A teaching credential is a state-issued license to teach in a public school. At SDSU there are 2 pathways to get your teaching credential!
Comparison of Two Pathways
Below is a graphic that compares the 2 pathways at SDSU leading to a preliminary teaching credential.
Traditional Pathway
The traditional pathway typically takes 5 years and involves earning a bachelor's degree (including general education and major coursework) and completing credential prerequisites; this generally takes 4 years. Then future teachers must complete a credential program which includes credential coursework and student teaching; this can be completed in as little as one year.
ITEP Pathway
The ITEP pathway typically takes 4 years and integrates the bachelor's and credential program so that you can complete your general education, major and credential coursework, and student teaching within the 4 years it takes to earn a bachelor's degree.
About Traditional Credential Programs
Teaching credential programs are offered in the following subject areas:
Elementary School Teaching
- Multiple Subjects (K–6)
- Multiple Subjects (K–6) - Bilingual
Middle/High School Teaching
- Single Subject - Bilingual
- Single Subject (English)
- Single Subject (Mathematics)
- Single Subject (Science)
- Single Subject (Social Science)
- Single Subject (Art)
- Single Subject (Music)
- Single Subject (Physical Education)
Special Education
- Early Childhood Specialization
- Mild to Moderate Specialization
- Extensive Support Needs Specialization
About ITEP Programs
To ease the growing K-12 shortage in California, policymakers have made it possible for teacher preparation programs to provide “Integrated Teacher Education Programs” (ITEP), a new combination 4-year, bachelor and credential option.
ITEP combines the study of academic subjects with professional preparation courses and field experiences.
Currently, CSU teacher preparation programs are structured as fifth-year programs. Students first must earn a bachelor's degree in a discipline in 4 years and then enroll in a fifth-year teacher preparation program. ITEP allows students to enter the teaching profession immediately upon graduation.
ITEPs for high-need subject areas are now recruiting in the following SDSU undergraduate majors:
- Child & Family Development
Credential in early childhood special education - Liberal Studies
Credential options in multiple subject, bilingual multiple subject, or special education - Mathematics for Single Subject Teaching
Credential in single subject math - Chemistry for Single Subject Teaching
Credential in single subject chemistry
Next Steps
Traditional Programs
Attend an Info Session
Sessions include general info regarding application requirements for our credential programs.
Watch a Virtual Info Session
Watch from the comfort of your own home. The presentation includes general info regarding application requirements for our credential programs.
Meet with an Advisor
Talk to an advisor to find out which program works best for you. We recommend you attend an info session or watch the virtual info session before meeting with an advisor.
How to Apply
Learn about prerequisite courses, exams and deadlines for the CSU and program applications.
ITEP Programs
Major Specific Questions
Pam Gardner & Alison Sternal, Child & Family Development
Michelle Xiong & Alison Sternal, Liberal Studies
Dr. William Zahner, Mathematics for Single Subject Teaching
Dr. David Pullman, Chemistry for Single Subject Teaching
General Questions
TESTIMONIALS: Hear Directly from Our Graduates
Why I Chose to Teach...
BILINGUAL EDUCATION
featuring Sofia De La Garza, Bilingual Elementary School Teacher
SPECIAL EDUCATION
featuring Sarah Latoski-Jimenez, High School Special Ed. Teacher
and Angelia (Niecy) Watkins, Past Special Ed. Teacher and Current Special Ed. Administrator