Education Specialist Induction Program | CSUF Extension and International Programs

Clear your Education Specialist Credential online with CSUF

Looking for a way to clear your Education Specialist teaching credential online?
Now you can with the Education Specialist Induction Program from Cal State Fullerton.
This online program lets you clear your teaching credential in 1–2 years and meets California’s latest requirements for teacher credentialing.

Your Credential, Your Way

There are two ways to complete the Education Specialist Induction Program at CSUF:

Pathway #1: Complete the program here, through Extension and International Programs Professional Development through CSUF. There’s no application process — simply register for each course in the order listed below.

If you hold a Level I Credential (rather than a Preliminary credential), please contact Dr. Melinda Pierson (mpierson@fullerton.edu) for a tailored program plan to ensure you meet the requirements for clearing your Level I credential.

Pathway #2: If you are seeking a Master’s degree, you can complete induction at the same time, embedded in the Master’s degree coursework. Visit the CSUF Department of Special Education website to apply to the Master’s program.

Program Schedule and Registration:

Traditional Program is required for all new teachers with less than 2 years of credentialed teaching experience. Click the courses to register.

Year 1

• 1st Semester: SPED 531, 532, or 535
• 2nd Semester: SPED 502

Year 2

• 3rd Semester: SPED 551
• 4th Semester: SPED 533

The Early Completion Option is available by application for teachers with 2 or more years of successful credentialed teaching. Please submit the ECO application upon registration. You will receive an email once it’s been received.

One-Year Program

• 1st Semester: SPED 531, 532, or 535
• 2nd Semester SPED 533

About the Courses:

In your first course, you will begin working with a mentor teacher at your school site on an “Individual Learning Plan” (ILP). Each course in the program is designed to support your continued engagement on the ILP with your mentor. Additionally, each course provides an array of professional development options designed by university faculty targeted to the needs and interests of current Education Specialists to support your professional development goals.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Education Specialist Induction Program, you must hold a valid California Education Specialist Preliminary or Level I Credential and have a teaching contract for the first year of the program that meets requirements below. If you were initially prepared outside of California, please read CSUF's College of Education Credential Programs Policy Three. In addition, during the program, you must:

• Remain employed as an Education Specialist by a CA school district, charter school, or private school.
• Have regular meetings with a volunteer mentor who has a Clear Education Specialist credential in your same emphasis area (Mild/Moderate, Extensive Support Needs, Early Childhood Special Education), or has a Clear credential and experience with students in your emphasis area.

In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, Early Completion Option (ECO) induction program candidates must:

• Have completed a minimum of two years credentialed teaching
• Confirm that their school administrator recommends the candidate for the Early Completion Option (ECO) via the ECO Application.
• Demonstrate Exceptional Teaching Performance by way of two most recent administrator evaluations of teaching practice/performance, earning a minimum of “acceptable” ratings.

Questions? Contact Dr. Antionette Linton at alinton@fullerton.edu

Non-California Residents

Due to state and federal regulations, non-California residents may only enroll in CSUF online courses when their state has authorized CSUF as a provider. Click here for more information.