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Teacher Education Program
How to Prepare for the Teacher Education Program
All information for applying to the UCSB Teacher Education Program can be found on the "How to Apply" page. The following are some things you should think about no matter where you are in the process of thinking of becoming a teacher. This information and more appears in our application handbooks (MST, SST, and ESC) - a document we encourage you to download and refer to often.
1. Find the right program for you: Choosing your teacher preparation program is a very important decision and not as easy as one might think. There are many different models to choose from and you need to know what to look for and what questions to ask in order to find the best program for you. We discuss your options in our Information Meetings, (held every other week through February) and we are always on hand to answer your questions and offer guidance.
2. Attend an Information Meeting and download the Application Handbook (on the How to Apply page): Information meetings are held every other week. Please contact Suzanne Raphael in our Credential Services Office if you would like to talk further about the application process.
3. Visit our Program: You are always welcome to talk with our faculty, visit our classrooms and discuss your options. Please contact the Teacher Education Program office at any time and we will help you.
4. Take State tests ASAP: All California teaching credential applicants must pass a basic skills test (CBEST) and subject matter tests in the content area you are planning to teach (CSET). Do not wait to take these exams! Many candidates need to retake portions of these tests and you want to allow yourself enough time so it will not hamper admissions to a program. Again, the Application Handbooks (on the How to Apply page) provides detailed information and links to these tests.
5. Complete your Pre-professional Experience: In order to have some experience in the classroom prior to entering teacher preparation, most programs require a pre-professional experience (UCSB requires 60 hours). This can include a number of things including tutoring and observation in a classroom setting. Some students already have this experience and simply need it documented. Others need a placement for this. In both cases, please see UCSB's Pre-professional Program for more information.
6. Work on Pre-requisite Courses: While a course on the U.S. Constitution is required for all California programs, there are several pre-requisite courses that are unique to UCSB.
If you are not a UCSB undergraduate, please contact our Credential Services Office to discuss equivalent courses at your campus. You will also have the opportunity to complete the prerequisites in the summer session.
If you are an UCSB undergraduate, we encourage you to complete your requirements before entering the program, and you may choose to do so as part of the Education Minor, The following prerequisites can be part of your ED Minor course of study (note: the US Constitution requirement is not included in the ED Minor but must also be satisfied):
- Health (ED 109)
- Technology for Teachers (ED 103)
- Math 100A and B (Elementary ED only) **Note: you can petition to use these as substitution for electives in the ED Minor.
7. If you are planning to attend UCSB's program and you are in the market to buy a new computer, buy a Macintosh laptop: We utilize technology in our teaching and our smart classrooms are Macintosh based. Students will have laptops to borrow during class, but it is always optimal to have one yourself. It also allows you to take your work into your K-12 classrooms, your home, etc. The least expensive Macbook will do.