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    BECOME AN INVALUABLE TEACHER:

    THE VALUE OF GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND TEACHING CREDENTIALS

    The world today is tumultuous — as a society, we are navigating countless global challenges. But, one thing remains true: education is the avenue through which we will harness the power to enact real, tangible change.

    Professionals in the field of education are some of the most transformative, essential and impactful workers today. Educators are preparing the next generation for success, both in the classroom and beyond.

    If you want to become a skilled, effective and compassionate educator, then you are in the right place. Explore the Master of Science in Education and credentialing programs from a respected university dedicated to social justice, inclusiveness and leadership.

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    HOW TO
    USE THIS
    RESOURCE

    You are busy, and your time is precious, so we invite you to explore this resource in whatever way makes the most sense to you.

    Read this resource from cover to cover, or drop down to the section that appeals to you most:

    A LICENSE TO TEACH:

    WHAT IS A TEACHING CREDENTIAL AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?

    Teaching credentials in the state of California offer certification, endorsement or licensure, and often provide the formal training that is needed to build a successful teaching career. While some private or charter K-12th schools may not require teacher certification or licensure, public schools in most states, including California, do demand such credentials in order to teach at any level. In other words, obtaining quality credentials is paramount to beginning a career in the public school setting — even if you already have an undergraduate degree in education. 

    There are many reasons why you may need to earn specific teaching credentials in the industry today. Let’s take a look at three of them. 

    Earn a Teaching Credential to:

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    START YOUR CAREER AS AN EDUCATOR

    If you think you want to be a teacher and you are ready to get started with the option to teach in both the private and public sectors, you will need to get the appropriate preliminary credential right from the beginning. 

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    EXPAND YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

    If you're already a teacher working for a private or charter school and you love what you do but would like to give yourself more flexibility in where you can work, then a preliminary credential can get you there. Or, if you’re already a preliminary credentialed teacher but still need to clear your credential, an induction program might be an appropriate option. 

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    FURTHER SPECIALIZE IN A SPECIFIC AREA

    If you are already a credentialed teacher working in the field and you want to specialize in an area, such as special education, an additional credential is what you need.

    By achieving credentials in addition to a traditional education degree you are:

    • making yourself a more versatile hire;
    • preparing yourself for a variety of teaching situations;
    • and making yourself marketable and competitive.

    While obtaining a master’s degree in addition to your teaching credentials is optional, there are many reasons to invest in a graduate education degree. Let’s talk about some of them. →