Single Subject Credential Program
Introduction
Welcome to the world of teaching! By becoming a teacher, you have an opportunity to shape the future and to ignite people's passion in your subject area. Like any profession, it requires advanced study in the field of education as well as a deepening content knowledge in your subject specialization. By entering Cal Poly's Single Subject Teacher Education Program (SSTEP), you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills that will contribute to your success as a classroom teacher.
The SSTEP at Cal Poly prepares teachers in eight specializations: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, English, Geosciences (Earth and Planetary), Mathematics, Physics, and Social Science. The majority of candidates seeking a Single Subject teaching credential enter the program as post-baccalaureate students. That is, one earns a baccalaureate in a major that equips you with the content knowledge to teach in one of the eight specializations listed above.
A Single Subject credential can be earned in three to four quarters of full-time enrollment. However, the length of time required to complete the program depends on whether candidates have already met program prerequisites and fulfilled subject-matter competency.
Candidates who complete the Single Subject program earn a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential that is English Language Learner Authorized in one of the eight specialization areas. This credential allows you to teach the subject specific specialization in California classrooms. Typically this is the credential sought by individuals who want to teach in middle or high schools. However, Single Subject credential holders may teach any grade level as long as their assignment consists of teaching only the subject specialization listed on the preliminary credential. Specific information about California's teacher credentials can be found at the website for the California Commission for Teacher Certification (http://www.ctc.ca.gov).
Please contact the following advisors for the subject you are interested in teaching.
Agriculture
Dr. Bill Kellogg
Phone: 805-756-2973; Office: Building 10, Room 244
Email: bkellogg@calpoly.edu
English
Dr. Megan Guise
Phone: 805-756-2134; Office: Building 47, Room 35L
Email: meguise@calpoly.edu
Mathematics
Dr. Elsa Medina
Phone: 805-756-2244; Office: Building 25, Room 303
Email: emedina@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
Single Subject Coordinator
Dr. Chance Hoellwarth
Phone: 805-756-2126; Office: Building 25, Room 124
Email: soe@calpoly.edu
San Luis Obispo, California 93407