How can the Bay Area Teachers Center offer credential coursework if it is not a university or college?
The BATC is in a partnership with San Francisco State University. The units required for the credential are awarded through San Francisco State University, but all of the classes (except Curriculum and Instruction classes) are offered at our Lick-Wilmerding campus in San Francisco.

Why should I choose the Bay Area Teachers' Center?
There are many features that make the BATC an attractive option. Classes are scheduled conveniently for working teachers and take a personalized, hands-on approach to teacher education. The cohort groups interact regularly with guest speakers who are experts in the field of secondary education. Records for credential candidates are kept at the BATC and transferred to San Francisco State University's office of teacher preparation prior to the candidate's final appointment with a credential analyst.

How is the student teaching requirement met?
Most students are teaching while enrolled in the BATC credential program, and the teaching position itself is the "student teaching" assignment. Enrollment in the BATC as a student teacher includes the support of a SFSU supervisor as well as help from a cooperating teacher at the school site.

Can I still become a teacher if I don't have a subject area specialty? I know that the credential requires that I have a specialty that is a course taught in secondary school.
The State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that candidates for the Single Subject Credential have a undergraduate unit emphasis in the subject taught. It is important to have transcripts reviewed to ascertain what would be needed to complete this requirement.

How can I satisfy the Subject Matter Competency Requirement?
Subject Matter Competency can be established in the following subjects which are taught at the secondary school level: Art, English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, and Social Science.

A candidate can satisfy the Subject Matter Competency Requirement in two ways:

Coursework: To have coursework assessed, a candidate must contact the Credential Advisor at San Francisco State University in the candidate's content area. The advisor will evaluate transcripts and decide whether the candidate has met the Subject Matter Competency Requirement.

Examination: Candidates may meet the Subject Matter Competency Requirement by passing the CSET exam. These exams are given regularly in the subject areas taught in the secondary curriculum. The candidate must be warned, however, that these tests are extremely challenging.

How do I get started on the application process?
Read the How To Apply section here.