Credentials
SCOE’s credentials office assists Sonoma County educators with credential/permit applications, facilitates credential/permit renewals, records all credentials registered in the county, and advises out-of-state and out-of-country applicants regarding California certification requirements.
Contacting SCOE’s credentials office
The credentials office is located at the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa. The phone numbers for the Credentials Analysts are (707) 524-2987 and 524-2794. The fax number is (707) 524-2950. Credential Analysts can also be contacted by email at credentials@scoe.org.
Teacher Preparation & Credentialing Programs
The Be A Teacher Intern Program is an alternate pathway to earning a Preliminary Teaching Credential that runs out of the North Coast School of Education, located at SCOE. In our two-year state accredited intern program, interns are employed as teachers during the day and attend credential classes approximately two days a week on evenings or weekends while receiving ongoing coaching from an on-site mentor, course instructors, and practicum supervisors.
Becoming a teacher in California
Supported by the California Department of Education, the TEACH California website provides information about the teacher credentialing process, teacher preparation programs, financial aid, and teaching jobs. In order to give visitors a sense of teachers’ lives, video interviews of teachers who work in different settings and samples of lesson plans are included on this website.
University-based teacher preparation programs
In the North Coast region, four universities offer teacher preparation and credentialing programs:
Humboldt State University
Sonoma State University
University of San Francisco, Santa Rosa Campus
Online certification programs
California State University offers the option of obtaining a teaching credential without attending regular university classes. The program, CalStateTEACH, combines 12-18 months of self-study, online support, and personal coaching to integrate the theory and practice of teaching with daily classroom experiences. It prepares candidates to obtain a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential. More information about the program is available by visiting CalStateTEACH online or calling (831) 582-4624.
Affordable Colleges Online offers a listing of online colleges and universities, including a list of Best Online Teaching Degree Programs. They also provide a guide to online education and teaching degrees and an interview with program graduate.
Find Commission-approved institutions offering California preparation programs at CTC’s Approved Institutions and Programs.
Notice to Districts: Expired Credentials
Districts, please click here to read this important notice about how to avoid expired credentials.
Contacting the Commission on Teacher Credentialing
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is located at 1900 Capitol Avenue in Sacramento and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, excluding holidays. The mailing address is 1900 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95811-4213. Credential questions may also be submitted by email to credentials@ctc.ca.gov. Neither appointments nor walk-in service are available.
