Do you have a passion for working with kindergarten through age 22 students with mild/moderate disabilities, to appreciate their differences and strengths, and to help them recognize and realize their potential? Then the Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program is for you!
This program prepares CI teacher candidates to work with students with mild/moderate disabilities in both self-contained special education and general education classrooms. Across the program’s courses and fieldwork in K-12 age 22 classrooms, candidates develop the skills to appreciate and capitalize on the diversity of languages and cultures encountered in California’s public school classrooms. The belief that all children (regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, or economic status) are capable of learning and that educators make a difference in students’ lives provide the founding principles of the Education Specialist Teaching Credential.
Upon completion of the program, candidates are eligible for the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Candidates must pass the RICA and CalTPA exams prior to being recommended for this credential.
Education Specialist Teacher Candidates in traditional student teaching will be enrolled in coursework that leads to two credentials including Education Specialist (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) and Multiple Subject Credentials. These candidates will be also pursue an add-on Bilingual Authorization as part of the coursework. The details can be found on the Bilingual Authorization webpage.
Note: Undergraduate students are allowed to enroll in any professional preparation course. Full Admission to Phase II (Student Teaching and Methods Courses) of the Education Specialist Credential Program requires successful completion of Phase I (prerequisites) and other applicable credential admission requirements.
General Information
- The intern option is currently unavailable, due to low enrollments. When this program is offered, it is intended for applicants pursuing the Education Specialist credential program only (not the dual credential).
- Credential Programs Information Sessions All prospective students are encouraged to attend an information session to learn about teacher credentialing, program requirements, and application process.
- Application Requirements/Deadlines
- FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
2022-2023 Roadmaps
- Dual Credential (Education Specialist &Multiple Subject) Roadmap (2022-2023) (PDF, 135KB)
- Education Specialist-Internship Pathway Roadmap (PDF, 232KB)
2023-2024 Roadmaps
- Dual Credential (Education Specialist &Multiple Subject) Roadmap (2023-2024) (PDF, 168KB)
- Education Specialist Credential Roadmap (2023-2024) (PDF, 167KB)
Additional Information
- Admission Requirements/Current Catalog
- Field Experience Handbook 2023-2024
- Intern Handbook(PDF, 1.4M)
- Program Fact Sheet
Contact Us
Necole Ramirez
Education Specialist Credential Counselor
805-437-8524
necole.ramirez@csuci.edu
Schedule an appointment with Necole
Administrative Office
Madera Hall 2900
805-437-8953
credential.assistant@csuci.edu
Dr. Jeanne Grier
Chair, Credential Programs
805-437-8987
jeanne.grier@csuci.edu
In taking these classes, I have learned many things to help me as a mother in addition to as a teacher, and in fact as a citizen of the world. I have discovered specific interests and strengths that I have, such as a particular interest in special education.
Kirsten Jacobsen (Summer 2017)