World Languages: LOTE
Welcome to the Single Subject Credential Program:
World Languages, Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
*Please note that all incoming credential students must first meet with the advisor, Cynthia Leathers to go over program requirements and plan a schedule*
Please email Professor Leathers for a Zoom or office appointment at:
cynthia.leathers@csulb.edu
SPRING ADVISING 2024
Please email for an appointment.
Tuesdays, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Zoom
Wednesdays, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Zoom/office
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The World Languages: LOTE single subject credential enables you to teach elementary, middle school, and high school world language classes in California public schools. The credential has two major parts - subject matter (the language other than English of your choice) and pedagogy (teacher preparation courses). In order to demonstrate subject matter competency you must either complete a CTC-approved program or pass the appropriate CSET examinations.
At CSULB, there are five CTC-approved subject-matter programs in Languages Other Than English: French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish, but we support a total of thirteen languages including Arabic, ASL, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Khmer. New CTC policies have expanded options for meeting SMC, so all candidates should plan to discuss this important requirement with Cynthia Leathers to fully understand their options. Some candidates will need to take the CSET exams to meet SMC, but many others may be able to use their degree or coursework in the language.
The professional preparation program will help you learn how to teach in a pluralistic society. In these ten courses, you will learn about teaching methodology, curriculum design, culturally responsive pedagogy, assessment, evaluation of student progress, and classroom management. You will also learn about today's schools and how you can most effectively impact the diversity of students you will find there. We have three subject-specific courses--EDSS 300F, EDSS 450F, EDSS 473F--and our World Languages LOTE instructors will prepare you to teach with strategies informed by second language acquisition theory and other research-based practices. Our program emphasizes acquisition-driven instruction and teaches practices that focus on helping students communicate in the target language.
Besides completing the subject matter requirements and the professional preparation program, all credential candidates must complete a Bachelor's Degree, complete the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR/CBEST), and meet the US Constitution requirement.
Prior to enrolling, all candidates should visit the World Languages LOTE Credential Coordinator at the earliest possible date to create a program plan. Students must complete the BSR (Basic Skills Requirement) to be admitted to the credential program. Subject Matter Proficiency (SMC) must be met before applying to student teach. In your advisory appointment, these state requirements will be explained in detail.
For more information about the Single Subject Credential Program (overview, courses, credential requirements), please visit our SS website: SSCP
BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENT (BSR): All California teachers must pass the Basic Skills requirement, also referred to as CBEST. New CTC (July 2021) policies have expanded options for meeting the BSR. Please review carefully the information on this page. Pay close attention to Option 7 as many teacher candidates will be able to avoid the cost and stress of CBEST tests by showing college coursework that meets the BSR guidelines.
Note that students who have completed their BA and the BSR requirement will qualify for substitute teaching in almost any district in Southern California. According to our program graduates, substitute teaching is the best way to prepare for successful student teaching.
ENROLLING IN THE SINGLE SUBJECT CREDENTIAL PROGRAM:
For information about enrollment and tuition, please visit these CSULB websites: TUITION ENROLLMENT
For tips in making the enrollment process easier, follow these four STEPS.
**IMPORTANT NOTES**
**GPA: You can be admitted to the University with a 2.5 GPA, but you will not be admitted to the Single Subject Credential Program with less than a 2.67 GPA
**Due to ongoing issues related to COVID-19 and the teacher shortage, the CTC has changed some policies. Some of the changes have been only temporary. Please check with your advisor rather than relying on hearsay as we are constantly receiving updates regarding these important requirements.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
In order to participate in the Single Subject Credential program you must possess a Social Security number. Please consult with an advisor for International Students for details that will help you plan for our program. ISS
ADVISEMENT APPOINTMENT:
All students must have an advisement appointment prior to beginning coursework. Please contact me to set up an appointment to plan your path toward a single subject credential.
Most appointments can be handled via a Zoom meeting, so do not delay.
Email: Cynthia Leathers @ Cynthia.leathers@csulb.edu
Directions/Parking Information
My office is AS-317 and the AS building is next to the library. You may find the most visitor parking in Lot E1 where there are short-term meters. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from there. Please note that CSULB is undergoing a lot of construction which affects parking. Sometimes you will luck out and find metered parking closer to my building—near EED 1, but there are limited spaces (on the map below see turn around area between Lot E8 and EED 1). Some students also find metered parking in Lot G15 which is a smaller lot but does have meters.
Here is our parking map: MAP and general parking INFO
Cynthia Leathers
Single Subject Credential Advisor/Coordinator
World Languages: LOTE
cynthia.leathers@csulb.edu
AS-317
For more information about the individual language programs ....
- Department of Asian and Asian American Studies
- ASL Linguistics and Deaf Cultures
- Department of Romance, German, Russian Languages and Literatures
- Comparative World Literature & Classics
Questions about the World Languages Credential Program?
A full-time student can complete the entire program including student teaching in three semesters. Many students choose a slower path, and four semesters is often the best choice for students who have work and family commitments. We will work with you to create a course plan that fits with your schedule. Keep in mind that many of our courses include fieldwork hours.
Before taking the CBEST, students should check with the LOTE advisor to see if the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) can be met via coursework or other tests already taken. Legislation passed in 2021 allows for many options, and many students are now able to meet BSR without taking the CBEST.
This requirement must be met before finishing EDSS 300F but does not have to met before applying to the University.
If you are interested in substitute teaching, you simply need a completed BA and the BSR. Ask your advisor for more information.
For more information on the BSR and CBEST, see this link on the CTC website.
During student teaching you will be in charge of three classes (usually at a high school) under the supervision of one or two cooperating (master) teachers. You will plan and deliver lessons, assess progress, assign grades, meet with parents and counselors and perform most of the duties of the regular teacher.
A university mentor will visit and coach you during the semester and you will attend one class, EDSS 473F, a student teacher seminar. You will also complete two TPAs during your student teaching.
Teaching Performance Assessments are state-mandated projects you must complete to earn your credential. You will learn more about these in your program experiences. There are two cycles of TPAs and both are completed during the student teaching semester.
We offer monthly meetings. The schedule is available here: TPAC
See TUITION link above. You can also learn more about costs and financial aid at the monthly information meetings offered through TPAC.
The application process is fairly simple. First apply to CSULB. When you are enrolled in the EDSS 300F class, you will begin compiling a portfolio for application to the SSCP. Your 300 instructor will guide your through this.
To enroll in Fall semester, you must be enrolled by June 1. For spring the deadline is November 1. See the ENROLLMENT link above to confirm deadlines for the desired semester and obtain more information.
Note that our program is a two-step process. With Univeristy enrollment, you may begin taking courses. Credential program admission is gained by successfully completing EDSS 300F and the additional credential admission process. Your EDSS 300F instructor and advisor will guide you through that.
If you miss the University enrollment deadline, it may be possible to take one or two courses via Open University. Discuss this option with your LOTE advisor.
No. There is no compensation for student teaching. Students need to prepare financially and academically for this demanding semester.
It is easy to add a language if you have a credential in another language (French credential, add Spanish for instance). You need only prove subject matter proficiency via the CSET exam or coursework.
You may also add a world language to an existing multiple or single subject credential. You need to show subject matter proficiency and then take EDSS 450F. Please contact me if you would like to set this up. We need CSET scores or a SMC waiver before we can approve enrollment in EDSS 450F.
Since the passage of legislation in 2021, it is now possible to get a partial SMC waiver. See your LOTE advisor about this process.
Yes, you will need this as part of your background check to receive your security clearance from the CTC.
No. The University does not allow this. You need to choose the program you want to finish first. Student Teaching is the benchmark semester for our program and requires a full commitment.
