Credential Course Descriptions

This course is an introduction to the usage of technology in the classroom. Students will become familiar with the use of common classroom programs in Microsoft Office suite and others.

This course is an introduction to the field of education and the professional career of the teacher. Topics that will be discussed in this course include: characteristics of today’s learners; characteristics of effective teachers and schools; California teacher credentialing procedures; and Concordia University’s teacher education program. Fifteen hours of community service in a school or other educational organization serving children are required. Minimum grade of B- required for the Liberal Studies Program and admission into Teacher Education Program.

This course focuses on a broad picture of teaching through an emphasis on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the corresponding Teacher Performance Expectations. Through course activities the students will develop awareness of the CSTPs and what to look for to see evidence of these standards in his/her assigned field experience. Minimum of 15 hours of field work is required in a university assigned placement. Minimum grade of B- required for the Liberal Studies Program and admission into Teacher Education Program.

Students explore and learn the major concepts, principles, theories and research related to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and moral development of children and adolescents. They also learn the major concepts, principles and research associated with human learning, achievement, motivation, conduct and attitude.

Students will learn a variety of approaches to planning, managing, delivering and assessing instruction. They will draw on social, cultural and historical foundations, as well as learning theory as they design, assess and differentiate instruction for all students. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 301 or concurrent enrollment.

This course will provide students preparing to teach in today’s schools with an understanding of how personal, family, school, community and environmental factors are related to students’ academic, physical, emotional and social well-being. The effects of student health and safety on learning will be addressed. Candidates will learn skills for communicating and working with families. They will learn their professional and legal responsibilities as teachers in California schools. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 301 or concurrent enrollment.

Students will learn approaches to planning, managing, delivering and assessing instruction in science and mathematics. Students will draw on social, cultural and historical foundations and learning theory as they plan instruction. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 401; Educ 451; CSET verification.

Students will learn approaches to planning, managing, delivering and assessing instruction in history, arts and physical education. Students will draw on social, cultural and historical foundations and learning theory as they plan instruction. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program, Educ 401, completion of or concurrent enrollment in Educ 402 and CSET verification. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 401; Educ 451; CSET verification.

Provides students preparing to teach in secondary schools with understanding of the secondary school curriculum. Students will examine recent research, use the California Frameworks and K-12 Content Standards to explore their subject areas and evaluate curriculum materials. Emphasis is given to preparing lesson plans that meet the diverse needs of students. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 401; Educ 451; CSET verification.

This course focuses on the impact of linguistic, cultural, socio-economic status, religion and gender diversity on the education of elementary and secondary school students. It will also address the socio-political nature of education and the challenging issue surrounding multicultural education in our schools today. Bilingual education and curricular implications will be discussed, as well as the history of other cultural groups in the United States. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 301 or concurrent enrollment; passage of Edu 435 (liberal studies majors only).

This course focuses on preparing the elementary school teacher to instruct reading and language arts in diverse classrooms. It follows the guidelines set forth by the CCTC and the California Language Arts Frameworks and Standards. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 401; Educ 451; CSET verification.

Examines theory and practice in reading instruction as applied to the content areas of middle and secondary schools. Emphasizes development of reading techniques ranging from assessment of individual skills to selection of appropriate materials and strategies for instruction in subject areas for diverse classrooms. The guidelines set forth by the CCTC and the California Language Arts Frameworks and Standards serve as the basis for this course. Prerequisites: admission to the Teacher Education Program; Educ 401; Educ 451; CSET verification.

This course consists of thirty (30) hours of field experience and class seminars to prepare students to teach in elementary schools. Students will develop an understanding of instructional planning and delivery and how to meet the needs of diverse learners. Through the activities of this course, students will complete Teacher Performance Task 1 and Task 2. Prerequisites: completion of or concurrent enrollment in Educ 422, 423 and 460; CSET verification.

This course consists of thirty (30) hours of field experience and class seminars to prepare students to teach in secondary schools. Students will develop an understanding of 7-12 curriculum, strategies to teach reading and how to meet the needs of diverse learners. Through the activities of this course, students will complete Teacher Performance Task 1 and Task 2. Prerequisites: completion of or concurrent enrollment in Educ 424 and 470; CSET verification.

Student teaching is a full semester, all day teaching experience at a qualified school site under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and University supervisor. Teaching strategies and classroom management are practiced at grade levels and in subject matter that represent the student teacher’s career choice. Prerequisites: completion of all program courses; acceptance into Student Teaching Program; application submission prior to deadline; passing scores on the CSET examination or completion of a state-approved Single Subject Matter Preparation Program.

Student teaching is a full semester, all day teaching experience at a qualified school site under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and University supervisor. Teaching strategies and classroom management are practiced at grade levels and in subject matter that represent the student teacher’s career choice. Prerequisites: completion of all program courses; acceptance into Student Teaching Program; application submission prior to deadline; passing scores on the CSET examination or completion of a state-approved Single Subject Matter Preparation Program.