California Theatre Credential
Welcome to your home for information on the CA Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Theatre. California is currently on track for the first cohort of candidates to enter theatre credentialing programs by Fall 2021. This is, of course, subject to change. Check back here for updates along the journey. We will update the information on this page as we receive them.
Building the Pipeline for Robust Arts Education
Dance and Theatre Credentials in California
About
The reestablishment of dance and theatre credentials for teachers in California was a long-term goal that was realized with the passage of SB 916 in 2016. However, work needs to continue to make the reestablishment of the credentials meaningful and impactful for the students of California now and in the future. A robust and vital pipeline needs to be created that encourages individuals to become dance or theatre teachers. This recruitment needs to occur in high schools, community colleges, 4-year institutions, arts organizations, and among “career changers.” This recruitment needs to counter the prevailing narrative about teaching and inspire individuals to recognize it for the fulfilling and world-changing profession it is.
At the same time, a teacher education pathway needs to be established from high school, through dance and theatre departments in colleges and universities, and on into teacher credentialing programs so that credentialed teachers can be prepared to educate California’s students.
There is some urgency in building this pipeline. In the teacher-credentialing world, novice teachers work with experienced mentor teachers during their credential preparation programs. As “Baby Boomers” retire, their experience and wisdom is lost to the profession and fewer student teaching positions are available. And if a dance or theatre position is vacated without credentialed teachers ready to fill the gap, schools may simply drop programs altogether.
The dance and theatre education communities need to work together to build this pipeline. This webpage will serve as a source of information and connection for this community – the professional organizations CDEA and CETA, community colleges, undergraduate departments, arts organizations, and teacher preparation.
Teaching Theatre in Ca Schools
Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Theatre
This credential authorizes the educator to teach Theatre to TK-12 grade students through the CA Arts Standards in Theatre. An educator with this credential can grant VAPA/Fine Arts credit to students. Note: to teach English, a Theatre credentialed teacher would need to add the Single-Subject English credential by passing the English CSET and taking a 3 semester-unit or 4 quarter-unit methodology course in a teacher education program.
Those educators who hold a English credential issued AFTER January, 1, 2023 are only authorized to teach English (not Theatre). Note: In order for that educator to teach English and Theatre, they would need to add the Single-Subject English credential or Subject Matter Authorization in English to their existing Theatre authorization.
Single-Subject Teaching Credential in English
Educators who hold an English Credential issued BEFORE January 1, 2023 are authorized to teach Theatre under this credential.
Those educators who hold a Theatre credential issued AFTER January, 1, 2023 are only authorized to teach Theatre (not English). Note: In order for that educator to teach English as well, they would need to add the Single-Subject English credential or Subject Matter Authorization in English to their existing Theatre.
CTE Credential: Arts, Media, and Entertainment
Educators who hold a Career Technical Education (CTE) credential in Arts, Media and Entertainment are authorized to teach Theatre and Technical Theatre curriculum within CTE pathways at the high school level or an introductory course at the middle school level aligned with a high school CTE pathway. CTE credential holders in Arts, Media and Entertainment may only teach performing arts courses that are aligned with the CTE Model Curriculum Standards. Individuals must have significant industry experience to qualify for a CTE credential.
Supplementary and Subject Matter Authorizations in Theatre
A Supplementary Authorization in Theatre can only be added to an existing Single-Subject credential. Subject Matter Authorizations (SMA) in Theatre can be added to either a Single-Subject or Multiple-Subject credential. Introductory SMAs authorize service in grades 9 and below, while Specific SMAs authorize service in grades K-12.
Thank You’s
Thank you to all of our statewide partners who have worked to develop this information
Jessy Kronenberg, CDEA Credential Task Force Director dancecredential@cdeadance.org
Michael Despars, CETA Past President mdespars@catheatreed.org
Eric Engdahl eric.engdahl@csueastbay.edu for their work on these documents.
Welcome to your home for information on the CA Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Theatre. California is currently on track for the first cohort of candidates to enter theatre credentialing programs by Fall 2021. This is, of course, subject to change. Check back here for updates along the journey. We will update the information on this page as we receive them.
The reestablishment of dance and theatre credentials for teachers in California was a long-term goal that was realized with the passage of SB 916 in 2016. However, work needs to continue to make the reestablishment of the credentials meaningful and impactful for the students of California now and in the future. A robust and vital pipeline needs to be created that encourages individuals to become dance or theatre teachers. This recruitment needs to occur in high schools, community colleges, 4-year institutions, arts organizations, and among “career changers.” This recruitment needs to counter the prevailing narrative about teaching and inspire individuals to recognize it for the fulfilling and world-changing profession it is.
At the same time, a teacher education pathway needs to be established from high school, through dance and theatre departments in colleges and universities, and on into teacher credentialing programs so that credentialed teachers can be prepared to educate California’s students.
There is some urgency in building this pipeline. In the teacher-credentialing world, novice teachers work with experienced mentor teachers during their credential preparation programs. As “Baby Boomers” retire, their experience and wisdom is lost to the profession and fewer student teaching positions are available. And if a dance or theatre position is vacated without credentialed teachers ready to fill the gap, schools may simply drop programs altogether.
The dance and theatre education communities need to work together to build this pipeline. This webpage will serve as a source of information and connection for this community – the professional organizations CDEA and CETA, community colleges, undergraduate departments, arts organizations, and teacher preparation.
Thank you to the board members at the California Dance Association especially Jessy Kronenberg, CDEA Credential Task Force Director dancecredential@cdeadance.org, Michael Despars, CETA Pst President mdespars@catheatreed.org, and Eric Engdahl eric.engdahl@csueastbay.edu for their work on these documents.