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 appointment at:

cynthia.leathers@csulb.edu

 

SPRING ADVISING 2023

Please email for an appointment

Tuesdays, 1-4 - Zoom

Wednesdays, 1-4 - Office or Zoom

cynthia.leathers@csulb.edu

 

 

We are back!

Fall and Spring 2022-23 Single Subject Credential

classes will be held on campus

Some Single Subject Credential classes will still be available online, but most Single Subject Credential courses will be taught F2F

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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 plan to discuss this important requirement with Cynthia Leathers to fully understand their options. Many candidates will need to take the CSET exams to meet SMC.

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 best practices which 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: 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 PROGRM:

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.

Many 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

Need assistance when I am not available? Visit the Teacher Preparation Advising Center: TPAC
 
For information about jobs, workshops and news about world languages, visit the LOTE Facebook page:  FACEBOOK

 


For more information about the individual language programs ....


 

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. 

As soon as possible! There are many reasons for getting this test passed before you begin the program. First, getting this important requirement completed prior to taking EDSS 300F will allow you more time to focus on the 45 hours of fieldwork and assignments that make this class so rigorous. Second, once you have a BA and this test, you will qualify to be a substitute teacher in any district. Subbing is not only great experience, but it provides flexible employment and invaluable opportunities to network and make yourself known at local schools. Lastly, while the CBEST is a basic skills assessment, many LOTE students struggle with the writing portion because they learned English as a second language. Begin early so you can retake any portion of the exam that is difficult for you. See link above for more information. See note above about new state policies on CBEST/BSR.

During student teaching you will be in charge of three classes (usually at a high school) under the supervision of one or two 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 supervisor 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. 

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 teh monthly information meetings.

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.

The CSU application process was updated this year and is a little tricky. Please go to this page for detailed instructions that will help you navigate Cal State Apply:  APPLY TIPS

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.

No. There is no compensation for student teaching.

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 waiver before we can approve enrollment in EDSS 450F.

No. You must meet SMC via the CSET or coursework, but not via a combination of the two.

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.

We are entering a time of teacher shortages in California. This varies by subject and level, but in the last three years, 95% of the finishing CSULB World Languages LOTE student teachers have found a job within a few months. You will find recent candidates working in Long Beach, Los Alamitos, ABC District, Placentia-Yorba Linda, Tustin, Santa Monica, and Huntington Beach, just to name a few local districts.