Computer Science/Engineering Teaching

There is a growing demand for Computer Science teachers across K-12. In California, Computer Science teaching is an "authorization" added to a Single Subject credential, a Multiple Subject credential, or is part of the Mathematics credential. Since there are no CSET exams for Computer Science, you must establish content proficiency by earning units in Computer Science coursework. The two pathways below offer a way to earn Computer Science content proficiency along with a Computer Science minor as part of your undergraduate degree in CAS or LBST. For already credentialed teachers, see the online supplemental authorization programs below at Fresno State and UC Riverside.

If you are already a Computer Science major and want to pursue a career in teaching, we recommend earning a Mathematics credential; with the CS major, you will be authorized to teach CS courses alongside mathematics. See our MSTI pathways to teaching credentials pages to learn more about these programs, including information about the CSET Math content exams required to establish proficiency in mathematics. You will need to pass all three CSET Math exams to earn the Mathematics credential (even if you complete the FLM program) in order to be qualified to teach Computer Science.

Three Pathways to become a Computer Science Teacher

1. CTE Credential (first time credential holders – no other credentials held)
• Requires either 3,000 hrs of industry experience, or a combination of college/university units + industry experience.
• Pay the initial fee, and submit your industry documents to receive your preliminary credential up-front – allowing you to teach with your CTE Credential within weeks.
• From the point you earn the preliminary credential, you have three years to complete a 4-5 course sequence through OCDE – for a cost of roughly $3,000 total.
• The 5^th course is to clear your credential – so if you teach on it for two years, you can skip this course.
• https://www.ocde.us/divisions/educational-and-student-services/career-education-and-workforce-development/cte-credentialing
• https://www.ocpathways.com/programinitiatives/cte-credential-professional-development
2. CTE Credential (for Single and Multiple Subject Credential Holders)
• Same industry requirements as above, except you can use some of your teaching experience toward your hours.
• You now only need one single course (CTE Core) and two years teaching on the credential to clear– after earning the preliminary.  Costs come out to approximately $1,000-$1,500.
• https://www.ocde.us/divisions/educational-and-student-services/career-education-and-workforce-development/cte-credentialing
• https://www.ocpathways.com/programinitiatives/cte-credential-professional-development
3. Supplementary Authorization (in CS or other areas) – Requires: Existing Single or Multiple Subject Credential
• https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl-629/
• Applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements:
• Official transcripts showing the completion of either 20 semester units (or 10 upper-division semester units) of non-remedial course work in the subject, completed at a regionally accredited community college, college, or university.
• 20 semester units are required if a combination of upper- and lower-division units are completed.
• At least one course in each of the specified areas listed.
• The balance of the 10 or 20 units may be in any course within the subject category. A grade of “C” or higher is required in every course used to meet this requirement.
• Unacceptable coursework includes:
• Coursework that is not applicable toward a bachelor’s degree or higher degree (remedial), including professional development or continuing education units.
• In-service training or workshops.
• Coursework that does not cover the subject matter authorized by the requested supplementary authorization, unless a letter is provided from the chair of the subject area department stating that the course is equivalent to one offered by that department.
• A collegiate major from a regionally-accredited college or university in a subject directly related to the subject to be listed.
• Note: Refer to credential leaflet CL-560C for requirements to earn the full authorization that allows instruction in all grade levels.
• Possession of a professional level teaching license earned in a state other than California, with a middle school or departmentalized classroom teaching authorization that is not comparable to a full single subject content area issued by the Commission, but aligns with a Supplementary Authorization.
• Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s). Information, including passing scores and registration, can be found in Commission leaflet CL-674S entitled Verifying Subject-Matter Competence for Single Subject Teaching Credentials.
• Note: Refer to credential leaflet CL-560C for requirements to earn the full authorization that allows instruction in all grade levels.
• Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the Single Subject Credential. Such mixing of options may only be completed by a Commission-approved preparation program.
• Note: Refer to credential leaflet CL-560C for requirements to earn the full authorization that allows instruction in all grade levels.

 

Resources

• Academic Plan: Bachelor of Science in Child & Adolescent Development (CAS) + CS Minor - ideal for those looking to teach middle school; this blends a major in Child & Adolescent Development with a minor in Computer Science and prepares you to enter the Multiple Subject credential program after completing your undergraduate coursework.
• Academic Plan: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (LBST) Elementary Education Emphasis + CS Minor - ideal for those looking to teach elementary school; this blends a major in Liberal Studies with a minor in Computer Science and prepares you to enter the Multiple Subject credential program after completing your undergraduate coursework.
• Are you already credentialed as a Single Subject or Multiple Subject teacher and want to add Computer Science authorization? Check out these 100% online supplemental authorization programs offered by Fresno Pacific University or UC Riverside

Contact us

Dr. Doina Bein MSTI Computer Science liaison