Earn Your Education Specialist (EDSP) Credential
In California, a person studying to be a special education teacher will work toward obtaining an Education Specialist (EDSP) credential. This credential allows you to teach a variety of subjects to students K-22. Concordia students earn the Mild to Moderate Support Needs credential, which includes specific learning disabilities, mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities, other health impairment, serious emotional disturbance, and authorizes service in grades K–12 and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22. Information about this credential can be found on the CTC website.
Credential coursework can be done as part of your undergraduate degree, meaning you can finish your bachelor’s degree and credential at the same time. Some universities have this as a “blended” program. We think it is just good sense. It will take 4-5 years, depending on the pace you set for becoming a teacher.
Concordia's Liberal Studies major is part of California's Elementary Subject Matter Preparation (ESM) program. Therefore, Concordia students in this major who pursue the Multiple Subject credential will not be required to take the California Subject Examination Test (CSET).
If you wish to teach Special Education at the secondary (grades 6-12) level, some school districts will require that you also earn a Single Subject credential in the specific content area. That can be done after earning your preliminary EDSP credential.
If you want to teach in a Lutheran school, you can obtain your Lutheran Teacher Certificate through Concordia. This can be done with your undergraduate major and credential coursework.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the Teacher Education program comes in two parts. You must first be accepted as a student through the University Admissions application process. A separate application for the School of Education will be done once you have started the introductory education classes.
The State of California requires that all candidates for teacher credentials complete and pass state-approved tests and assessments before certification no matter which school you attend. Concordia’s Liberal Studies major will prepare you for these exams.
For transfer students to Concordia, read more here.
Student Teaching and Placements for EDSP Candidates.
Read more about transfer students to Concordia University Irvine.
Why get your credential at Concordia University Irvine? Read what our graduates have to say.
Learn about your future professors in the School of Education Faculty profiles.
Questions? Send an email or call at 949-214-3350.