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Single Subject Credential

Admissions Deadlines

Application Checklist

Pre-Admission Disclosure

Basic Skills & Subject Matter

Single Subject Faculty Projects

Advising & Teaching Pathways

Teacher Candidate Handbook

Professional Growth for Current Teachers

Program Overview

Welcome! Whether you're beginning your journey to the classroom or taking the next step in your career, we're here to help you become the educator your community needs.

In only two full-time semesters, you will earn a preliminary single subject teaching credential to teach one of the following subject areas in departmentalized PK-12 classes (most often in middle schools or high schools) or in classes organized primarily for adults: 

  • Art* 
  • English
  • Foundational Level Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Foundational Level General Science
  • Science (Biological Science, Chemistry, Geoscience, or Physics)
  • Music
  • Physical Education* 
  • Social Science
  • World Language (Spanish)

*Some years, we may not accept applications for Art and Physical Education. Please check the current application deadlines or reach out to the Single Subject Program Coordinator. 

Why Choose Sonoma State's Single Subject Credential Program?

We know you have several options when choosing the best pathway toward earning a teaching credential. Here are just some of the reasons why Sonoma State’s Single Subject Credential Program might be the right choice for you. 

Designed for Real Life.

Mostly evening classes and flexible learning modalities make it possible to earn your teaching credential while balancing part time work, family, and other commitments. There are options to complete the program over four (instead of two) semesters.

Built Around Community.

Small, subject-specific cohorts foster lasting connections with peers and dedicated faculty who are committed to your success.

Investing in Your Success.

Scholarships, teacher residency programs, and intern pathways can help reduce financial barriers, allowing you to focus on becoming an exceptional educator.

 

Connected to Local Schools.

Our longstanding partnerships with school districts across Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, and Solano Counties provide meaningful clinical experiences, experienced mentors, and valuable professional connections.

Prepared for Today's Classrooms.

Learn from expert faculty through evidence-based, practice-centered coursework that prepares you to meet the needs of diverse learners from day one.

 Program Overview

To apply to Sonoma State’s Single Subject Teacher Credential Program, you must first earn a bachelor's degree (any major) at an accredited university, complete two prerequisite courses, meet subject matter competency, and fulfill additional admission requirements. The program is organized around two phases that include both coursework and clinical practice. 

Prerequisite Courses (6 units) 

The prerequisites are offered every semester. You may complete them while earning your undergraduate degree or education minor, through Sonoma State’s open university, or by applying to the Single Subject Prerequisite Program the year prior to beginning the credential program. 

  • EDSS 417 (3 units) School & Society
  • EDSS 418 (3 units) Adolescent Developing and 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. Instructions and a list of alternative courses can be found on the Prerequisite page. 

Phase I (Fall) Program courses (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 (3 units) Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Content Specific
  • EDSS 444 (1 unit) Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Crossdisciplinary
  • EDSS 446 (4 units) Language and Literacy Development in Secondary Classrooms

Phase 2 (Spring) Program Courses (20 units)

  • 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

Clinical Practice

Creating Effective Learning Communities (EDSS 443A)  and Student Teaching in Multicultural Settings — the two components of supervised fieldwork — occur in Phase 1 and in Phase 2 respectively. These field experiences take place in public schools with established partnerships with Sonoma State - some of which partner in our teacher residency programs. During both field experiences, credential candidates, residents, and interns are supervised by SSU faculty members and Mentor Teachers (district-employed supervisor). Once accepted into the credential program, our placement coordinator and residency leads work closely with you to find the school site that best fits your experiences, passions, and life commitments. 

Teacher Performance Assessment 

A teaching performance assessment (edTPA) is required for all those seeking a single subject teaching credential.  During Phase I, you will practice planning, teaching, and analyzing student learning at your school site through dedicated course assignments that resemble edTPA tasks. During Phase II, you will be carefully guided through the edTPA instructions, prompts, and rubrics that call on you to plan a 3-5 hour learning  segment, analyze video footage of your teaching, and analyze student work. All candidates must pass their edTPA  to be recommended for a teaching credential.