Becoming a Teacher: The most common path to becoming a teacher is to study a 4-year Bachelor's of Education (BEd) program at a college or university. However, teaching credential programs (also called the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, PDGE) are a pathway for those who have a different first degree and want to train to become teachers.
Types of Teaching Credential Programs
The teaching credential programs are offered in elementary, primary and high school education. It depends on individual choice. The programs allow the students to receive support from the colleges and universities while they are working or pursuing a new career path.
Those who want to train to be teachers can choose one of the following credential programs:
- Single Subject Credential program
- Multiple Subject Credential program
- Education Specialist Credential program
Online Teaching Credential Programs
Students have a choice to pursue an online teaching credential program or an on-campus program. The program advisors at the colleges and universities can help.
Most states in the US, and especially California, require at least two years of full-time study and on-campus lectures. The program also requires a supervised internship at a local school for up to 6 weeks.
If you are going to study online, always make this clear during the interview. Ask the interviewer about the lectures, assessments, and online contact hours that are expected of you as an online student. And importantly, ask about how you will do your internship at the end of your online teaching credential program.
Three Credential Programs in California
Single Subject Credential program: This program prepares the students to teach a specific subject. The student-teachers are trained to become specialist subject teachers. They teach small groups of students such as those in most middle schools and high schools.
Multiple Subject Credential program: This program is for students who want to become kindergarten or elementary school teachers.
Education Specialist Credential program: This program prepares participants to teach young children, youth and adults with disabilities from elementary to primary and high school including those that are age 22 years old.
Teaching Credential Programs Interview Questions
Here are 6 common questions that interviewers often ask during the Credential Programs Interview. Many of those interviews who shared their experiences say that it is important to 'speak from the heart'. Listens attentively and answer the questions clearly and honestly.
- What are your strengths?
- What does social justice mean to you?
- Why do you want to become a teacher?
- How do you approach difficult situations?
- What do you hope to contribute to the teaching profession?
- How do you communicate with students, parents, and staff?
Do not hesitate to ask questions. Especially, at the end of the interview when you are given the chance to ask any question.
Mention that you are passionate about teaching and helping children and disadvantaged adults. Also, ask what kind of help you will need to complete the program.
Hope these quick tips help. Please, do leave a comment and let us know what you think about the Teaching Credential Programs
Keywords:
Teaching Credential Programs | Online Teaching Credential | Online Teaching Credential Programs | Special Education Credential Programs | Online Credential Programs | Commission On Teacher Credentialing | Teaching Credential Requirements | Substitute Teaching Credential | Teaching Credentials California | Teaching Credentials South Carolina | California Teachers Credentials
