Important Dates

Summer  Deadline
Cal State Apply Deadline February 1, 2025
Professional Aptitude Interview Orientation February 14, 2025

Interviews:

Social Science

English

Science

Math

Agriculture

 

2/14/2025

2/14/2025

2/18/2025

2/19/2025

2/20/2025

Subject Matter Competency/CSET 

Completion

July 1, 2025
Start of program Summer Quarter 
End of program Spring Quarter 

Becoming a teacher

Single Subject Credential Program

Program Overview

The School of Education’s Single Subject Program prepares aspiring teachers to lead with purpose, equity, and a deep belief in the brilliance and potential of every student. We view students as assets and honor the diverse experiences they bring to the classroom. Our program is designed for individuals committed to social justice and motivated to challenge educational inequities through inclusive, asset-based teaching. 

At Cal Poly, you will engage in a dynamic, learn-by-doing clinical experience that begins on the first day of school in a middle or high school classroom, coteaching alongside a skilled mentor teacher. This immersive experience is integrated with rigorous coursework that bridges research, pedagogy, and practice, equipping you to design and implement instruction that supports all learners. 

Our goal is for you to leave Cal Poly with the confidence, tools, and growth mindset needed to take on the complexities of your early years in the classroom and beyond. If you are ready to impact lives, learn in community, and help shape a more just and equitable educational system, then bring your aspirations to Cal Poly. Together, we will prepare you to make a meaningful difference. 

Program Learning Outcomes

By the time they complete the program, Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential Candidates should be able to:

  1. Effectively engage and support all students in learning.
  2. Create and maintain environments that are culturally sustaining and that effectively support student learning.
  3. Demonstrate sufficient understanding of subject matter to effectively organize it to promote student learning.
  4. Effectively plan instruction and design learning experiences for all students.
  5. Effectively create and use assessments to inform instruction and foster student learning.
  6. Engage in professional practices and act in ways that foster their professional growth.

Program Format

  • One-Year Program: 3-term program, beginning in summer session and ending in spring semester. 
  • Cohort Model: Small class sizes where teacher candidates move through the program together fostering collaboration and connection. 
  • Mix of In-Person and Online Coursework: The program begins with a summer session of online coursework and transitions to in-person coursework for fall and spring semesters. 
  • Clinical Practice Model: Teacher candidates are placed at a middle or high school in San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara counties, supported by a cooperating teacher and university supervisor for the entirety of the program.  
  • Full-Time: Coursework and Clinical Practice will be completed primarily M-F ~8-4; the program structure is similar to a full-time teacher’s schedule. Some seminars will be taught in the evening, and the schedule will vary by semester.   

*Agriculture candidates will follow a different schedule than other content areas. Please reach out to Advisor Dr. Nicole Ray for more information.  

Join the Credential Advisors and Faculty for a virtual info session where the coursework, program format, admission requirements, and more will be covered. Come get all your questions answered and learn more!

Single Subject Program (SSTEP) Info Sessions

Fall Quarter 2025

Winter Quarter 2026

Spring Quarter 2026

If you would like to schedule an individualized meeting to discuss your specific pathway to a teaching credential, please find contact information below for our Program Coordinators, Content Advisors and Credential Advisors.

  Single Subject Coordinator

Nancy Stauch

Phone: 805-756-6587

Office: Building 25, Room 126
Email: nstauch@calpoly.edu

  Single Subject Content Advisors

Agriculture


Dr. Nicole Ray

Phone: (805)756-0661

Office: Building 10, Room 246
Email: nray04@calpoly.edu

English


Dr. Megan Guise

Phone: 805-756-2134

Office: Building 2, Room 109
Email: meguise@calpoly.edu

Mathematics

 

Dr. Amélie Schinck-Mikel

Phone: 805-756-2352

Office: Building 25, Room 324
Email: aschinck@calpoly.edu

Science

(Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, and Physics)

Nancy Stauch

Phone: 805-756-6587

Office: Building 25, Room 126
Email: nstauch@calpoly.edu

Social Science

 

Dr. Joel Orth

Phone: 805-756-2963

Office: Building 47, Room 25L
Email: jorth@calpoly.edu

World Languages - (Spanish and French) Not currently offered.

Please reach out to soe@calpoly.edu to inquire.

 

Dr. Silvia Marijuan

Phone: 805-756-2273

Office: Building 47, Room 26P
Email: smarijua@calpoly.edu

Credential Office Advising

Please email soe@calpoly.edu with questions.

Credential Office Advising Hours

Use Bookings* to schedule a virtual advising appointment.

 

*Alternate times are available by appointment; please email for additional times.

Related Content

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ADVOCACY & SUPPORT

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SOCIAL JUSTICE

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DEI - BAILEY COLLEGE

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School of Education
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
805.756.2126
soe@calpoly.edu