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:
- Effectively engage and support all students in learning.
- Create and maintain environments that are culturally sustaining and that effectively support student learning.
- Demonstrate sufficient understanding of subject matter to effectively organize it to promote student learning.
- Effectively plan instruction and design learning experiences for all students.
- Effectively create and use assessments to inform instruction and foster student learning.
- 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
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Fall Quarter 2025
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Winter Quarter 2026
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Spring Quarter 2026
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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
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Nancy Stauch
Phone: 805-756-6587
Office: Building 25, Room 126
Email: nstauch@calpoly.edu
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 Single Subject Content Advisors
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Agriculture
Dr. Nicole Ray
Phone: (805)756-0661
Office: Building 10, Room 246
Email: nray04@calpoly.edu
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English
Dr. Megan Guise
Phone: 805-756-2134
Office: Building 2, Room 109
Email: meguise@calpoly.edu
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Mathematics
Dr. Amélie Schinck-Mikel
Phone: 805-756-2352
Office: Building 25, Room 324
Email: aschinck@calpoly.edu
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Science
(Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, and Physics)
Nancy Stauch
Phone: 805-756-6587
Office: Building 25, Room 126
Email: nstauch@calpoly.edu
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Social Science
Dr. Joel Orth
Phone: 805-756-2963
Office: Building 47, Room 25L
Email: jorth@calpoly.edu
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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
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Credential Office Advising
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Credential Office Advising Hours
Use Bookings* to schedule a virtual advising appointment.
*Alternate times are available by appointment; please email for additional times.
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