The Master of Arts in Teaching with Single Subject Teaching Credential program blends a teacher preparation program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to provide instruction in approved subject areas in a departmentalized classroom. Almost all junior and senior high school teachers hold the single subject credential.
Single Subject Teaching Credentials can be obtained in the areas of Art, Biology, Chemistry, English/Language Arts, French, Geoscience, General Science, German, Health Science, Home Economics, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, History/Social Science, and Spanish. This credential embeds the English Learner Authorization (ELA), which prepares candidates to work with second language learners. The teacher preparation coursework focuses on preparing effective teachers for urban classrooms. Becoming an effective teacher for an urban setting, including a foundation in social justice and equity, is the focus of all activities, tasks, and learning.
The candidates complete a program that requires full-time student status, with field experience and student teaching requirements in Sacramento Area districts as well as full-time coursework requirements.
Upon completion of the Single Subject Teaching Credential coursework, program candidates may complete an additional sequence of five Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) courses if they want to complete the Master of Arts in Teaching after finishing the credential. Throughout the MAT program, they will learn how to critically examine the sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts related to the broad fields of educational research and schooling. Candidates will be expected to apply such analytical skills to develop and implement standards-based curriculum in diverse settings using best instructional and inclusive practices that positively impact the learning of all students including English Learners and students with disabilities. They will also create an original Teacher Action Research Inquiry Project using practice-based methods in a diverse educational setting. The materials and associated activities presented in the Master of Arts in Teaching coursework are highly integrated to support students with successful completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree at the end of the program.
