Teaching Career Preparation

California needs teachers. In 2017, the Learning Policy Institute reported significant teacher shortages throughout the state, particularly in the areas of special education, mathematics, and science.

APU’s Integrated Bachelor’s and Teaching Credential Program equips you to become a teacher in California, prepared to enter the field in one of these important subject areas. During your major-specific coursework, you’ll learn from faculty who are experts in the subject matter you want to teach. In the credential portion of the program, you’ll work side-by-side with mentors and master teachers who illuminate the art and science of teaching practice. Candidates benefit from a variety of practical teaching experiences, including:

• Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP) — Assist in a local classroom and teach lessons under the guidance of a host teacher.
• Credential Foundations Courses — Complete at least 60 hours of relevant field experiences in K-12 public schools.
• Culminating Student Teaching Experience — Spend 16 weeks in a school setting for a full-time instructional experience.

Teach Math

To become a math teacher in a middle school or high school, select the Math Major option, which embeds the requirements for a Single Subject Teaching Credential. The math teaching track also includes:

• Opportunities to work as tutors in the APU Math Center.
• Access to faculty-led lab work and mathematics research.
• Using advanced geometry software to interact with mathematical principles.
• Exposure to a repertoire of classroom-tested lessons for teaching math.

Teach Science

To become a science teacher in a middle school or high school, select the Allied Health Major option, which embeds the requirements for a Single Subject Teaching Credential. The science teaching track also includes:

• Applied laboratory practice with training on lab techniques and equipment.
• Participation in faculty-led research experiences.
• Service-learning with AP Biology students, teaching them how to conduct experiments.
• Subject-matter exploration in biology, chemistry, math, physics, and psychology, as well as additional elective options.

Teach Special Education

To become a special education teacher, select the Liberal Studies Major option, which embeds the requirements for a Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential. The special education teaching track also includes:

• Instructional resources to make classroom learning accessible to all K-12 students.
• Assessment and intervention strategies that address the needs of today’s student populations.
• Concentrations in art, English, math, music, physical education, psychology, science, special education, social science, or Spanish.