Credentialing FAQ
A: For those taking it after achievement of a B.A. degree, it is avaliable to complete in 10 months or two semesters; however, some choose to spread the courses over two semesters, followed by one semester of student teaching.
A: Undergraduates in the traditional day program or ASPIRE degree-completion program may take their credentialing coursework while earning their B.A. degree. They spread the credentialing coursework (five courses) over several semesters. Once they graduate, they can begin student teaching.
A: Yes, there are several packages, even some to assume your loans if you teach in a low-performing school. Talk to the enrollment counselor in admissions. Simpson has an excellent support system to help students navigate the ins and outs of financial aid.
A: Yes, each course meets one day a week during the fall and spring semesters. There are also courses avaliable during the summer.
A: Multiple Subjects: CSET for multiple subjects, CBEST or CSET Test IV on writing, RICA for multiple-subject candidates only (a test to assess how you teach reading); Single Subjects: CBEST, CSET for your single-subject area (or the CSET can be waived if you have a subject waiver degree). Multiple and Single Subjects: An additional assessment is the Teaching Performance Assessment. This is not a paper-pencil test, but a portfolio of documents and videos you make to show you understand and can teach in several areas. You are guided through the four assessments during your coursework and student teaching.
A: Yes, you can during coursework semesters, but since student teaching is all day for a whole semester (17 weeks) it would not allow time for outside work. Student teachers are involved with teaching the same hours as their master teachers, plus some extra. Please note that if you take all 18 units of coursework in one semester, you will have about 52 hours a week devoted to this program (18 hours in class, about 5 hours a week observing in the schools, and two hours of study for every hour you are in class = 52 hours). You may choose to spread the 18 units over two semesters, then student teach the third semester. We highly recommend splitting coursework over two semesters.
A: Ten plus student teaching and TPAs. You can take the first six the first semester (18 units), although we recommend spreading them over two semesters.The six core classes are Language Arts, Curriculum and Instruction, Multicultural Education, Psychology, Integrating Technology , and Technology in the Classroom. Next is Student Teaching, Student Teaching Performance Development, and once a week seminars that include instruction on health safety, teaching special populations, philosophical foundations in education, and induction preparation. The State of California also requires a course on the U.S. Constitution (Shasta College 17A & 17B, Pols 2, or Simpson HIST 2330 and HIST 2340). There is also a test option in our office for $70.The new teacher credentialing law, SB 2042, is designed so you will receive your preliminary credential from an institution, like Simpson University. Then after you are hired, you will have a two-year induction program in which you are given a mentor to guide you through your first two years of teaching. At the end of this time you are recommended for your clear credential by the induction program called BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment).
A: You can apply online today by filling out our Online Application for Admission. You can also contact Enrollment Services at (530) 226-4606 or 1-888-9-SIMPSON. They will give you guidance on the Admission Process. You may also visit the School of Educaiton Office, Grubbs Learning Center (library), Room 101, and we will be happy to talk with you.
A: Before you can begin the credentialing courses as a post-B.A. student, you must complete your fingerprint submission and TB clearance required by law. We will help you with this in our Education Office. Do the fingerprints early since they can take awhile to get back. The cost will be close to $100. Fingerprint clearance must be back in our office before you are eligible to student teach.
A: We have the best program! Our students have a great reputation for being excellent beginning teachers, AND they get hired. The area administrators tell us they like to hire our teachers -- new Simpson teachers know their stuff. You get extra help on CSET, and you can even student teach overseas.
Your professors are
- Dr. Al Rocca (CSET Test Preparation)
- Dr. Carol Wertz (Multicultural Instruction)
- Dr. Richard Harris (Associate Dean)
- Dr. Neita Novo (Language Arts for Elementary, Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary, Director of TPA)
- Dr. Ron McGraw (Psychology)
- Dr. Tom Forbes (Computers, Philosophy)
- Professor Cindy O’Leary (Special Populations)
- Professor Matt Garrett (Language Arts for Secondary)
- Dr. Paul Jones (Curriculum and Instruction for Secondary)
- Dr. Glee Brooks, Dean of Education
- Professor Merlina Phillips, Director of Student Teaching
- Professor David Peek (TPA Support)
