Catalog

Credentials

Department of Education

For over fifty years, Notre Dame de Namur University has maintained a reputation for excellence in teacher education. Personalized attention and individualized counseling for students, field orientation of programs, and successful placement of credential graduates have characterized the Department of Education since its inception in 1953. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing reaccredited NDNU’s credential programs in 1998. The Department of Education continues to prepare competent teachers, specialists, and administrators through professional programs that reflect current trends. A credential from NDNU provides maximum employment opportunities as well as strong preparation for classrooms of the 21st century. California maintains credential reciprocity with most states.

Education courses are taught by faculty representing diverse academic and practical expertise. All Department of Education supervisors are selected because of previous experience as teachers and administrators in public and private schools.

The Department of Education offers programs leading to the following credentials:

*NOTE: The University and the applicant must meet both general and specific requirements as prerequisites for credentials issuances based on the applicable University and Education Codes.

Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) at NDNU 

Legislative mandate (SB2042) established new standards for California’s teacher education programs called the “Teacher Performance Expectations” (TPE).  NDNU’s Multiple Subject (MS) and Single Subject (SS) Credential Programs in the School of Education and Leadership (SEL) submitted documentation detailing the ways in which our program met these standards.  Pursuant to SB1209 (passed in September 2006); we received State approval to begin implementation of PACT, a state-approved teacher performance assessment system.  With implementation of our new program, graduates will need to pass a “teaching performance assessment” that measures attainment of these standards. 

What is PACT?

PACT is a performance assessment developed by a consortium of the UC’s, CSU’s, Stanford, and Mills College in response to the teaching performance assessment mandate in state legislation (SB2042).  It consists of two complementary parts - the Teaching Event and Embedded Signature Assessments (ESA’s). NDNU is now one of over 30 institutional members of PACT.

What is involved in these two parts of PACT?

  • Teaching Event:  occurs in the second semester of student teaching and is a stand alone, summative assessment of pre-service teachers’ learning in Planning (P), Instruction (I), Assessment (A), Reflection (R), and Academic Language (L).   Students need to plan a 3-5 lesson segment (P), teach the segment and video tape one lesson (I), collect and analyze an assessment administered to the whole class (A), reflect on the process undertaken in the Teaching Event (R), and integrate academic terminology and concepts throughout the Teaching Event (L).  There are many commentaries that students must write along the way to show that they are considering particular issues such as teaching English learners.  Additionally, there are single tasks in the various subject areas to be completed by multiple subject candidates.
  • Embedded Signature Assessments (ESA’s):  Occur in courses and fieldwork and are part of what students already do in these settings regardless of which courses the candidate takes in the program. 

Fee related to PACT

A one-time $200 Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) fee is assessed to all candidates in the Multiple and Single Subject Credential Program regardless of when they initially enrolled.  The fee is to help defray the overall costs of maintaining compliance including, but not limited to:  providing program staff to address credentialing issues of compliance and assessments; students and staff training; prepare state program documents; supplies, and printing.  At NDNU, the cost of compliance is mostly covered by the university with critical support paid by tuition dollars.  NDNU is mindful of the burden of the rising cost of education and for this reason have required it be paid only once. 


Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Level I

Dr. Nicole Ofiesh, Program Director, (650) 508-3627, nofiesh@ndnu.edu

NDNU's Education Specialist Credential program prepares students to teach in special education programs in public and private schools. Mild/Moderate credential holders will be able to teach students in Resource Specialist Program classes (K-12) and students in special day classes for learning disabilities. Moderate/Severe credential holders will be able to teach students in grades K-12 whose needs are more severe. Many candidates are hired by school districts to serve as paid interns while earning the credential.

Students may obtain an Education Specialist Credential without a prior teaching credential. This requires 43 credits in contrast to the 30 units required for those with a prior credential. Work toward an Education Specialist Credential may be simultaneous with work toward a regular credential (either Multiple Subject or Single Subject). This requires between 37 and 55 units depending on previous preparation. It is expected that students will come with a variety of backgrounds. A program plan is arranged for each student when he or she meets with the program director.

Transfer students must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) semester units of credit at Notre Dame de Namur University, including at least one semester of student teaching or internship in the teacher preparation program in order to be recommended for a teaching credential.

Although most items listed below are required for student teaching or internship eligibility, the following summarizes the requirements for the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credential recommendation through NDNU:

  • Prerequisite: Verification of 40 Hours of Pre-Acceptance Field Experience by completing NDNU’s course, EDU2006 or by teaching or volunteer experience completed with appropriate age in a school setting. Provide the original form signed by the site supervisor or provide official letter of verification from the site. 
  • Successfully complete student teaching or internship and required courses (includes courses that allow authorization to teach English Learners)
  • Pass the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT)
  • Passage of Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., CBEST or for more options, see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl667.pdf)
  • Verification of Subject Matter Competence (e.g., CSET in Multiple Subjects)
  • Verification of fingerprinting clearance on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (also called a “Certificate of Clearance”)

For more information, see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl271.pdf

  • Copy of negative TB test result from within two years
  • Signed NDNU Release of Liability Form
  • Verification of US Constitution by exam or coursework
  • Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) by the end of your program

Verification of employment as an Education Specialist in a CA public school district, non-public school or agency, or county office of education. If you don’t have an offer, a Certificate of Eligibility will be applied for instead.

Required Courses Units
EDU4107 Foundations for Teaching English Learners * 3
EDU4200 Special Education Program Management 3
EDU4207 Technology - Special Education 3
EDU4209 Counseling - Special Education 3
EDU4230 Student/Intern Teaching and Seminar in Special Education 8
EDU4234
or
EDU4237

Curriculum and Instruction Adaptations (Mild/Moderate)

Curriculum and Instruction Adaptations (Moderate/Severe)

 3
EDU4203 Clinical Assessment 4
EDU4330 Elementary Reading/Language Arts Primary Grades * 3
Total   30
Additional course work is required for those who enter without a prior credential:  
EDU4100 Psychological and Developmental Foundations 3
EDU4104 Sociological and Multicultural Foundations 3
EDU4333 Elementary Reading/Language Arts: Upper Grades 3
EDU4336 Curriculum – Elementary Math 2
EDU4339 Curriculum – Social Studies/Science 2
Total   43
  * Foundation course in Multiple or Single Subject Credential  

Students may complete coursework in addition to the Education Specialist Credential in order to earn a master's degree. See Master of Arts in Special Education for further information.

Clear Education Specialist Credential Level II

Dr. Nicole Ofiesh, Program Director, (650) 508-3627, nofiesh@ndnu.edu

Notre Dame de Namur's Level II Education Specialist Credential Level program is designed to meet the needs of candidates seeking the Level II Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe credential.  The program has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and graduates from the program are eligible to apply for the Level II Professional Clear Credential.  In addition to the required coursework listed below, candidates will meet with the advisor to develop a specific plan to serve as their guide in completing the program.  The plan:

  1. Adopts the goals for professional growth identified at the end of the Level I credential program.
  2. Requires the candidate to identify an area of specialization.
  3. Lists the student's qualifications desired in a mentor.
  4. Includes goals and activities to be addressed by the student and the mentor.
  5. Identifies Local Education Agency (LEA), County Office of Education and other staff development activities designed to address candidate goals.
  6. Provides an opportunity for sign off by the candidate's immediate supervisor.

The following summarizes the requirements for the Clear Level II Education Specialist Instruction Credential recommendation through NDNU:

  • Complete two full years of experience using Level I credential
  • Be employed as a special education teacher in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school in the State of California
  • Successfully complete required courses (includes courses that allow authorization to teach English Learners)
  • Health Education for educators course (if not already completed for a previous credential); not required for out-of-California trained teachers
CPR training in infant, child, and adult; training must meet standards of American Heart Association or American Red Cross and be current at time of credential filing

Candidates who did not take EDU4116 (Health Education) or an equivalent course in their Preliminary Level I program are required to complete eleven units, which include one unit of EDU4116 Health Education.  Candidates who did take EDU4116 (Health Education) or an equivalent course in their Preliminary Level I program are required to complete ten units.

Required Courses Units
EDU4240 Emerging Research and Practice in Special Education 4
EDU4243
or
EDU4246		 Advanced Methods in Special Education: (Mild/Moderate)

Advanced Methods in Special Education: (Moderate/Severe)		 3
EDU4803 Advanced Strategies for English Learners 3
Total   10

Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary School)

Dr. Robert Ferrera, Program Director, (650) 508-3531, rferrera@ndnu.edu

The Department of Education offers a program of professional preparation for the California Multiple Subject Credential, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This credential authorizes service in self-contained classrooms, usually in an elementary school setting. NDNU's Multiple Subject Credential Program is post-baccalaureate and requires a full fifth year, or 33 semester units, of study. The concurrent program at NDNU offers students the opportunity to complete the professional coursework and two student teaching experiences within a calendar year.

Multiple Subject Credential (elementary) candidates spend one semester of student teaching at the primary level and one semester in the intermediate grade level. These student teaching experiences are in culturally diverse schools with students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, and take place at two of the many public school districts with which we have contracts.

School districts occasionally offer qualified Multiple Subject candidates the opportunity for a paid internship, in lieu of student teaching. One semester of internship may be at a WASC-accredited private school, if desired, provided that 120 hours of subject specific coursework has been completed. Transfer students must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) semester units of credit at Notre Dame de Namur University, including at least one semester of student teaching in the teacher preparation program in order to be recommended for a teaching credential.

Although most items listed below are required for student teaching or internship eligibility, the following summarizes the requirements for the preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential recommendation through NDNU:

  • Prerequisite: Verification of 40 Hours of Pre-Acceptance Field Experience by completing NDNU’s course, EDU2006 or by teaching or volunteer experience completed with appropriate age in a school setting. Provide the original form signed by the site supervisor or provide official letter of verification from the site. 
  • Successfully complete student teaching and required courses
  • Pass the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT)
  • Passage of Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., CBEST or for more options, see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl667.pdf)
  • Verification of Subject Matter Competence (e.g., CSET in Multiple Subjects)
  • Verification of fingerprinting clearance on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (also called a “Certificate of Clearance”)

For more information, see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl271.pdf

  • Copy of negative TB test result from within two years
  • Signed NDNU Release of Liability Form
  • Verification of US Constitution by exam or coursework
  • CPR training in infant, child, and adult; training must meet standards of American Heart Association or American Red Cross and be current at time of credential filing
  • Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) by the end of your program
Required Courses Units
EDU4100 Psychological and Developmental Foundations 3
EDU4104 Sociological/Multicultural Foundations 3
EDU4107 Foundations for Teaching English Learners 3
EDU4110 Special Education for the Classroom Teacher 2
EDU4113 Technology Applications in Education 2
EDU4116 Health Education 1
EDU4119 Assessment in the Classroom 1
EDU4330 Elementary Reading/Language Arts: Primary Grades 3
EDU4333 Elementary Reading/Language Arts: Upper Grades 3
EDU4336 Curriculum: Elementary Math 2
EDU4339 Curriculum: Social Studies/Science) 2
EDU4342Student/Intern Teaching/Seminar 4
EDU4345 Student/Intern Teaching/Seminar 4
Total   33

NDNU students enrolled in its credential programs may articulate up to 12 units toward a master’s degree. Candidates should contact the program director of the master’s degree of interest for more information.

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

Dr. Nicholas Gennaro, Program Director, (650) 508-3710, ngennaro@ndnu.edu

The Department of Education offers a program of professional preparation for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This credential authorizes the holder to perform administrative services ranging from superintendent to assistant principal or administrative positions at county offices of education. A paid administrative internship may be arranged on an as-needed basis in coordination with the student's school district.  Students enrolled in this program may apply to earn a Master of Arts in School Administration.  Students can complete the additional course requirements for the master's degree concurrently with the requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.

To apply for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Show proof of a bachelor's degree.
  2. Possess a teaching credential plus three years' teaching experience.
  3. Complete introductory courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Accounting.
  4. Interview with Administrative Services Program Director.

The following summarizes the requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential recommendation through NDNU:

  • Successfully complete required courses (includes any required prerequisites)
  • Possess a valid CA teaching or services credential
  • Passage of Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., CBEST or for more options, see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl667.pdf)
  • Complete three full years of teaching or services experience with a valid CA credential

Verification of employment as an Administrator in a CA public school district, non-public school or agency, or county office of education. If you don’t have an offer, a Certificate of Eligibility will be applied for instead.

Required Courses Units
Core Courses:    
EDU4600 Financial Management 3
EDU4603 Human Resource Management 3
EDU4606 Leadership Concepts 3
EDU4609 Organization and Management 3
Practica-based Courses:  
EDU4621 School Community Relations 3
EDU4624 School Law, Governance, and Politics 3
EDU4627 Program Initiation and Implementation 3
EDU4718 Contemporary Topics in Technology Leadership 3
Total   24
To qualify for the Master of Arts in School Administration, students must take the following additional courses:
EDU4700 Trends in Curriculum Development
3
EDU4703 Educational Assessment and Evaluation
3
Total  
30

Clear Credential SB2042 Fifth Year Program

Dr. Nicholas Gennaro, Program Director, (650) 508-3710, ngennaro@ndnu.edu

The School of Education and Leadership offers a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Approved Fifth Year Program of Study for teachers working in private, parochial, or charter schools.  This program allows the holder of the SB2042 Preliminary Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential to complete the requirements necessary to obtain the SB2042 Professional Clear Credential.

Graduates of NDNU's Multiple-Subject and Single-Subject Credential programs can complete requirements for the Clear Credential by taking additional CTC-Approved coursework.  Teachers who received the Preliminary Credential at another institution can complete requirements for the Clear Credential by combining the CTC-approved coursework with a Master of Art in Education with Curriculum and Instruction concentration.

Applicants may apply to enter the program for the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters/session and must submit the following:

1.  Proof of a Preliminary Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential

2.  The CTC's "Verification of Unavailability of a Commission-Approved Induction Program" form signed by the authorized representative of the school where currently employed

3.  Clear Credential SB2042 Fifth Year Program Application

The following summarizes the requirements for the Clear Credential (SB 2042) Fifth Year of Study recommendation through NDNU:

  • Successfully complete required courses (includes any required prerequisites)
  • Possess the appropriate valid CA Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential
  • Verification of Unavailability of Induction form (available from your employer or NDNU)
Required Courses Units
Core Courses:    
EDU4800 Advanced Study of Teaching Special Populations 2
EDU4803 Advanced Strategies for English Language Learners 3
EDU4804 Advanced Educational Technology 1
EDU4806 Advanced Study of Health Education 1
Total   7


Reading Specialist Credential

Dr. Shadrack Msengi , Program Director, (650) 508-4154, smsengi@ndnu.edu

The Reading Specialist Credential authorizes reading and literacy instruction and program development at the classroom, school, district, or county level. This program involves five courses beyond the five courses of the Reading Certificate; this additional instruction includes program management and interface with Special Education.

The following summarizes the requirements for the Specialist Credential in Reading and Language Arts recommendation through NDNU:

  • Successfully complete required courses (includes any required prerequisites)
  • Possess a valid CA teaching credential

The following courses are required for the Reading Specialist Credential:

Required Courses Units
EDU4207 Technology and Special Education 3
EDU4209 Counseling in Special Education 3
EDU4500 Current Research and Practice in Literacy Education 3
EDU4503 Assessment-based Instruction in Reading and Language Arts: Early Literacy 3
EDU4506 Clinical Application I: Early Literacy 3
EDU4509 Assessment-based Instruction in Reading and the Language Arts: Intermediate and Advanced Learners 3
EDU4512 Clinical Application II: Intermediate and Advanced Literacy 3
EDU4515 Current Issues in Literacy: Research and Practice 3
EDU4518 Program Development and Inservice Leadership in Literacy Education 3
EDU4521 Clinical Application III: Advanced 3
  Note: The Reading Certificate courses, EDU4500-4512, are prerequisites for the additional credential courses, EDU4207, EDU4209, and EDU4515-4521.  
Total   30

By adding one additional course to the Reading Specialist Credential, students can earn a Master of Arts in Reading.

Preliminary Single Subject Credential (Middle and High School)

Dr. Lu Chang, Director, (650) 508-3703, lchang@ndnu.edu

The Department of Education offers a program of professional preparation for the California Single Subject Credential, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This credential authorizes service in departmentalized settings, usually in middle, junior high, and senior high schools. NDNU's Single Subject Credential program is post-baccalaureate and requires a full fifth year or 31 semester units of study. The concurrent program at NDNU offers students the opportunity to complete the professional coursework and two student teaching experiences within a calendar year.

Although most items listed below are required for student teaching or internship eligibility, the following summarizes the requirements for the preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential recommendation through NDNU:

  • Prerequisite: Verification of 40 Hours of Pre-Acceptance Field Experience by completing NDNU’s course, EDU2006 or by teaching or volunteer experience completed with appropriate age in a school setting. Provide the original form signed by the site supervisor or provide official letter of verification from the site. 
  • Successfully complete student teaching and required courses
  • Pass the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT)
  • Passage of Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., CBEST or for more options, see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl667.pdf)
  • Verification of Subject Matter Competence (e.g., CSET in appropriate teaching area or approved subject matter waiver)
  • Verification of fingerprinting clearance on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (also called a “Certificate of Clearance”)

For more information, see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl271.pdf

  • Copy of negative TB test result from within two years
  • Signed NDNU Release of Liability Form
  • Verification of US Constitution by exam or coursework
  • CPR training in infant, child, and adult; training must meet standards of American Heart Association or American Red Cross and be current at time of credential filing
Required Courses Units
EDU4100 Psychological and Developmental Foundations 3
EDU4104 Sociological/Multicultural Foundations 3
EDU4107 Foundations for Teaching English Learners 3
EDU4110 Special Education for the Classroom Teacher 2
EDU4113 Technology Applications in Education 2
EDU4116 Health Education 1
EDU4119 Assessment in the Classroom 1
EDU4342 Student/Intern Teaching/Seminar 4
EDU4345 Student/Intern Teaching/Seminar 4
EDU4400 Orientation To Teaching 1
EDU4404 Teaching & Pedagogy 2
EDU4407 Secondary Curriculum 2
EDU4410 Language and Literacy in Content Areas 3
Total   31

NDNU students enrolled in its credential programs may articulate designated courses up to 12 NDNU units toward a selected master’s degree. Candidates should contact the program director of the master’s degree of interest for more information.

Undergraduate EDU Course Descriptions
Graduate & Certificate EDU Course Descriptions