Proposition 28 is in its second year of implementation- and school districts STILL need arts teachers
What individuals who want to teach can do
1. I already have a credential:
If your credential is in PE or English and was issued prior to January, 2021, then you have dance (PE) or theatre (English) credential embedded in your credential. (Note that the January 2021 deadline is somewhat flexible, it also depends upon your enrollment status in a credential program. The CTC determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis.) The authorization to teach dance or theatre is NOT stated anywhere on your credential nor is it prominently listed anywhere on the CTC website. For reference, see the March 8, 2021 Coded Correspondence from the CTC addressing this topic.
For long-time PE or English credential holders who have been teaching dance or theatre...
Due to a recent clarification of regulations, the CTC has stated that teachers holding these credentials may now apply for a separate dance or theatre credential without giving up their current credential. They are no longer considered dual credentials, but a separate credential with different knowledge and skills.
This does NOT mean that teachers whose pre-2021 credential is in English or PE and who are teaching theatre or dance MUST obtain the second credential. The original credential contains the full authorization to teach dance or theatre. The regulation clarification is for teachers who want a credential that reflects the area in which they are actually teaching and recognizes their experience and expertise. The process is the same for adding any second credential – show Subject Matter Competency and take a one semester teaching methods course in the credential area from an approved teacher credential program. Subject matter competency is accomplished by a) an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field, b) taking the CSET exams, or c) a combination of college course work and one CSET. Currently, Cal State East Bay is the only program offering dance and theatre methods courses in Extended Education for non-matriculated students. Contact eric.engdahl@csueastbay.edu for more information.
For single subject credential holders, a lesser known but equally viable route is to add a Specific Supplementary Authorization. This is comparable to a Single Subject Credential in the arts disciplines. The advantage of a Supplementary is that no additional classes or exams are needed, and the application is made directly to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A Specific Supplementary Authorization is not limited by grade or curriculum, only by subject. (Most Supplementary Authorizations, such as an Introductory Supplementary, are limited by grade). To add a Specific Supplementary, you must have 20 semester units or 10 upper division semester units (or the quarter equivalent) in the content area listed. For example, a dance authorization must have classes from the Dance Department. Only units from institutions of higher education are allowed. Read more on the Supplementary and Subject Matter Authorizations web page and in the Supplementary Authorization Guideline Book.
Do you have experience in the arts? You may be eligible for a CTE Credential in Arts, Media and Entertainment. Credentialed teachers who have the requisite “industry” experience only need to take Foundations of CTE class which is readily available online at different institutions including some County Offices of Education. Visit the CTC’s Career Technical Education webpage for more information.
2. I want to get a California teaching credential in dance, music, theatre, or visual arts. What do I need to know?
- The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is the state agency that has ultimate authority over teacher credentialing.
- All credentials are based on the California Arts Standards. A credential in an arts discipline allows you to teach that in grades PK – 12.
- Music and visual art credentials are available throughout the state. Dance and theatre credentials are only available at few programs. To find a program start at CTC’s Approved Institutions and Programs web page.
- All arts credential programs require a bachelor’s degree
- Time and costs vary, the shortest programs are one year long. The CSU system will have the lowest costs, about $13,000 inclusive of books, tuition, exams, etc.
- At this point there are few scholarships for arts teaching.
- Teacher credential program content is set by the Education Code in California and few classes can be waived. Teaching that has occurred prior to your enrollment in a credential program is not allowed to count for fieldwork.
- There are no shortcuts or emergency credentials in California. The exception is if you have a minimum of three years (or equivalent full time) teaching in an accredited private school you may be eligible for some requirement waivers. five years plus provides even more waivers. The employment must have been during the regular school day and in your content area. Read more at CTC’s Requirements for Teachers with Private School Teaching Experience page.
- All teaching credentials require Subject Matter Competency (SMC), that is, you need to know the content you are teaching. (A credential program teaches you how to teach what you know.) SMC is shown through an undergraduate or graduate degree in the area in which you want to teach. You can also demonstrate SMC by taking a series of exams called the CSETs or by taking one CSET subtest and using some college/university coursework. Unfortunately, professional experience and professional development cannot be counted.
- All teaching credentials require “Basic Skills,” that is college level writing, reading, and numeracy skills. This is demonstrated through courses, the CBEST exams, ACT/SAT scores, or a combination of courses and CBESTs. Read more at CTC’s Basic Skills Requirement webpage.
- There are other requirements which can be taken care of during the application process.
- Some out of state credentials may transfer or partially transfer.
3. Can I work before I am accepted to or during my credential program?
- If you have significant experience in schools, you may be able to complete your credential program fieldwork while employed as a teacher using a university Intern Credential.
- You may be eligible for a district issued Provisional Internship Permit or PIP. You must have met the Basic Skills requirement but do not yet need to show Subject Matter Competency. You must have 18 semester units in the subject area.
- You may be eligible for a district issued Short-Term Staff Permit or STIP. You must have met the Basic Skills requirement and show the Subject Matter Competency. You must have 18 semester units in the subject area.
- Some school districts can offer one-year waivers. That is a local decision and will vary across the state. Pay will be lower for these types of positions.
- Substituting is a great way to find out if you like teaching, build relationships at a school, and practice your skills. Currently there is a severe “sub shortage” so you could probably work as often as you like.
4. What is a CTE credential?
If you have significant professional or “industry” experience, you may want to consider at Career Technical Education (CTE) credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME). Proposition 28 funds can pay for CTE teachers. A CTE credential is not the same as a General Education credential. It licenses you to teach a slightly different set of standards and the courses you would teach must be coded as “vocational” by the district. The CTE AME standards are available here and an overview of the CTE credential is at CTC’s CTE Quick Facts page.
The coursework for a CTE credential usually lasts for one year, but in most cases you are required to teach during the program.
5. Where can I find out about jobs?
Teaching jobs are often posted at EdJoin. Also consider contacting school district Human Resource departments or administrators in schools you are interested in, they may not post to EdJoin.
If you are a teaching artist, use contacts through your organization and school clients.
You may also learn about jobs through volunteering at a local school.
California’s Professional Organizations’ websites and social media may also provide leads:
- California Art Education Association (CAEA)
- California Dance Education Association (CDEA)
- California Music Educators Association (CMEA)
- California Educational Theatre Association (CETA)
As always, network and let everyone know you are looking for a job! Although there are budget challenges in schools, 80% of the Proposition 28 funds must be used to hire arts educators – they cannot be redirected.
This content is update to the 2023 version of Thanks to Proposition 28 School Districts Need Art Teachers (PDF). Author Dr. Eric Engdahl has served the field of arts education in many capacities including on the advisory committees that developed the arts education standards and frameworks at the CDE, as part of the expert panels that developed the theatre credential with the CTC, and most recently leading the establishment of California’s first theatre and dance credential program at CSU East Bay.
