J o h n F K e n n e d y U n i v e r s i t y

TEACHING CREDENTIAL(TRADITIONAL AND INTERN)The one-year credential program provides preparation forteaching in elementary and secondary classrooms. Studentstypically begin the program in the summer, complete it thefollowing spring, and begin their teaching careers in the fall.To further accommodate working adults, a winter start-upallows students to complete their credential program in a yearand a half. Alternate schedules may be discussed with thedepartment chair.Foundation courses provide students with broad knowledgeof learning and teaching theories with an emphasis onmethods to enhance young people’s self-esteem andreceptivity to learning. Coursework addresses classroomdynamics, language and communication, and teachersworking with each other and with parents, school districts,and state and other agencies to improve education.Curriculum-development courses provide students with thetheoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to createsuccessful, cogent, interdisciplinary curricula.The fieldwork component is designed to develop competenceand confidence in the classroom. Beginning with a shortcourse in observation, students are given increasinglyresponsible teaching opportunities. Supervising teachersobserve progress in the classroom and hold regular meetingsfor problem solving, feedback, and support. Field placementsprovide students with teaching experience with different agegroups in both public and private schools, and in both urbanand suburban settings, working with diverse populations.Program Content and SequenceThe curriculum develops over four or six quarters fromtheoretical to applied work. The first several quarters areweighted toward academic work focusing on fundamentalconcepts of teaching. As students progress, the curriculummoves from theoretical academic assignments to theapplication of theory and the practice of teaching. Duringthe last two quarters, students spend four full days perweek at their field placement, culminating in two to threeweeks of solo teaching. Throughout the program, studentsmeet regularly with their supervising teachers and universitysupervisors to reflect upon and critique their progress.The Credentialing ProcessStudents complete a curriculum designed to prepare themto meet all standards of performance required by theCalifornia Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) forthe awarding of the credential. All credential candidates arerequired to pass tasks contained in the California TeachingPerformance Assessment (CA TPA) System as part of theireligibility for the Preliminary Teaching Credential.The Preliminary Credential is recognized as the credentialfor employment purposes and is valid for five years. TheProfessional Clear Credential, which is recommended by theemploying district, must be obtained within five years afterthe date of the Preliminary Credential.AdvisingTeaching is a sophisticated and demanding profession, andgraduate students working to become teachers need carefuladvising to develop academic, personal, and professionalknowledge and skills. The program is organized to givestudents feedback each quarter and in every course andexperience. The department chair works with students tosolve problems and assess progress throughout the program.The John F. Kennedy University Department of Educationseeks to build a community of teachers and learners thatsupports and challenges students and gives them a vision of alearning community they can carry throughout their careers.Credential RequirementsTo receive the university’s recommendation for the CaliforniaMultiple- or Single-Subject Preliminary Credential, studentsmust complete the following:• An overall grade-point average of at least 3.0 (B) must bemaintained in all work completed for the program.• Prerequisite areas of knowledge, if not previouslycompleted (0–6 units).• Multiple- or Single-Subject Preliminary Credential program(42 units) or equivalent.• File an online application for Credential AuthorizingPublic School Service (Form 41–4) with the university’sDepartment of Education credential analyst.• Submit the Petition for Credential Program CompletionCertification with appropriate fee to the Registrar’s Office.• All financial obligations to the university must be paid infull.To receive the university’s recommendation for the CaliforniaMultiple- or Single-Subject Professional Clear Credential, thestudent must complete the above six requirements plus thefour one-unit courses listed in the table below.Prerequisite Areas of KnowledgeIt is recommended that students complete coursework tosatisfy the following areas of knowledge before beginninggraduate education courses:• Human Development and Health• U.S. Government and Constitution (or pass exam offeredby the Education department)In both the Multiple- and Single-Subject Credential programs,students complete a 42-unit Preliminary Credential. Uponcompletion of the Multiple- or Single-Subject Credentialprogram and with approval of representative faculty and thedepartment chair, the university recommends the candidate tothe CCTC for the credential.48 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND LIBERAL ARTSJOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY