DS Career Technical Education (CTE) and Special Subjects (Track A)

Designed For

Individuals with no teaching credential or those with a Preliminary Multiple or Single subject credential who have a verified employment offer to teach in a DS Career Technical Education (CTE) or Special Subjects classroom.

Industry sectors available for DS CTE credentials:

DS Special Subject credentials available:

What You'll Learn

• Curriculum development and instructional planning skills related to developing occupational oriented knowledge and skills in developing lesson plans.
• Strategies for planning instruction, which is relevant to the diverse needs of students and various occupations.
• Classroom management strategies to develop and maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
• Concepts surrounding the CTE and Special Subject professions with highlights touching on the legal and ethical issues in the field.

What you can do with this Certificate

Teaching positions are available in K-12 public schools.

Professional Licensure and Certification

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Earning the Certificate

This is an unconventional credential in that you must secure a job prior to earning the credential. Thus, candidates for this credential must currently hold a teaching position in the K-12 or adult public school system or have a verified offer of employment as a classroom teacher that requires the DS credential.

To get started, enroll in the first course, EDUC X427 Orientation for Designated Subjects Credential Program.

Prior to enrolling in the Orientation, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

CTE Requirements:

• A teaching job or offer of employment that requires the DS Credential.
• Three years of verified work experience* in the industry sector you would like to teach.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

*Work experience must be verified on company letterhead and must be signed and dated by the company Human Resources department or the appropriate hiring department. View a sample letter. The CTE credential is based on industry work experience; this must be actual work experience, not teaching the subject. For example, if you are hired to teach a course on how to become an electrician, you are required to verify that you have at least three years of experience working as an electrician.

Special Subjects Requirements:

• A teaching job or offer of employment that requires the DS Credential.
• Four years of verified experience as specified below
• Military experience must be recent. At least one year of the experience must be within the three-year period immediately preceding the issuance of the credential.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a U.S. Constitution course or exam.
• Copy of Discharge Form (DD Form 214) or retirement certification, if applicable.

Detailed Admission and Completion Requirements.