Single Subject Credential Program Structure

The two-semester (Fall and Spring) program consists of two phases. Phase I (Fall) contains academic coursework (14 units) together with 100 hours of clinical practice (4 units) in local schools. Phase II (Spring) consists of an immersive student teaching assignment (12 units) accompanied by coursework to support you during your student teaching and edTPA performance assessment (8 units). We ensure that you are paired with a mentor teacher who (1) effectively supports diverse learners, (2) displays empathy for a beginning teacher and his/her/their needs and challenges, (3) develop trust with the teacher candidate, and (4) listens actively and can facilitate candidate self-analysis and reflection. 

Prerequisites (6 units)

All applicants must pass both prerequisites with a C or higher (not a C-) BEFORE starting the program. 

  • EDSS 417 (Formerly EDUC 417) (3 units) School & Society 
  • EDSS 418 (3 units) Development in Adolescence & Emerging Adulthood  

Course Substitutions

If you wish to use an alternative course as a prerequisite, you will need to complete the Request for Substitution form and submit it to the School of Education.  One form is required per SSU course. Transcripts and course descriptions must accompany this form. List for alternative courses can be found on the Prerequisite page. 

Learn How to Apply to SSU to just take the 2 Prerequisites

Summer Offering

Although we strongly encourage applicants to complete EDSS 417 and EDSS 418 prior to applying to the Single Subject Credential Program, we may complete one or both prerequisite courses in the summer before beginning the program. 

Phase I (18 units)

  • EDSS 442 (3 units) Equity and Agency in Teaching and Learning

  • EDSS 443A (4 units) Creating Effective Learning Communities: Field Settings

  • EDSS 443B (3 units) Creating Effective Learning Communities: Seminar

  • EDSS 444 (4 units) Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

  • EDSS 446 (4 units) Language and Literacy Development in Secondary Classrooms

Teacher Learning Cycles (TLCs). During Phase I, candidates complete two assignments that involve planning, implementing, and analyzing a learning activity in their clinical practice. These Teacher Learning Cycles (or TLCs) reflect our practice-based and justice-oriented approach to teacher learning by bridging coursework and clinical practice to help candidates analyze their own teaching as they will also do during edTPA and as reflective practitioners.

Phase II (20 units)

To advance to Phase II you must complete all Phase I courses with a C or better. You must also have a 3.0 or greater GPA (including prerequisite courses).  

  • EDSS 444B (1 unit) Applied Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

  • EDSS 458 (12 units) Student Teaching in Multicultural Settings

  • EDSS 459 (4 units) Seminar: Student Teaching in Multicultural Settings

  • EDSP 430 (3 units ) Introduction to Special Education

edTPA (Teaching Performance Assessment). A teaching performance assessment (TPA) is required for all those seeking a single subject teaching credential in California. edTPA is the teaching performance assessment used by the SSU Single Subject Program.During Phase II, teacher candidates submit online a portfolio of materials centered around a consecutive 3-5 days of teaching (what we call at Sonoma State a “learning segment”). These materials are organized around the following 3 tasks: 

  • Task 1: Planning (lesson plans; written responses to prompts about their planning for diverse learners)
  • Task 2: Instruction (unedited video recording of the CANDIDATE teaching; written responses to prompts that analyze and provide evidence of effective teaching for diverse learners).
  • Task 3: Assessment (planned assessment and rubric; sample student work from diverse learners; written responses to prompts that analyze student learning)

Tasks are scored by subject-specific, trained edTPA scorers who are external to Sonoma State. Candidates must obtain a passing score on the edTPA to receive a grade for EDSS 459 and to be recommended for a preliminary teaching credential.

Extended Option

Upon admittance to the program, candidates can opt to extend the program to 2 years. Candidates work with the CSSE Department Chair to develop an appropriate sequence of courses. Typically, this involves 6-9 units of coursework in the first year and the remainder in the second year. The entire clinical practice experience occurs in the second year.

Intern Pathway

The Intern Pathway is to provide an alternative means for candidates to complete a single subject credential program. This pathway allows candidates to be employed by a school district, and mentored by a district employed supervisor (or DES), while completing the single subject teaching credential. In most cases the DES is a practicing teacher but can also be a teacher on special assignment, instructional coach, etc.  This pathway is not meant for everyone. It requires candidates to be more immersed as a teacher of record, which requires instructional planning and assessing, on top of completing assignments and readings for the credential program coursework. We recommend that candidates considering the Intern Pathway enter the credential program with prior classroom teaching experience (e.g., paraprofessional, long term or ongoing substitute teaching). We also recommend those on the Intern Pathway consider extending the program from one to two years so that there is less coursework per semester.

Intern Pathway Stipulations and Timeline

Adding Authorizations During the Credential Year

It is possible to take an additional course each semester or during the summer to pursue a Bilingual Authorization (in Spanish) or Computer Science Authorization. You can also take courses to prepare for the CSET in Foundational Level Math or General Science.