College of Education achieves accreditation after “phenomenal” showing

Published March 10, 2023
By The College of Education

On March 1, the CSULB College of Education (CED) received a unanimous recommendation of accreditation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for 13 programs, a critical stamp of approval of how the college prepares future educators.

The CTC establishes high standards and ensures excellence in the preparation and licensing of public school educators for the state of California.

A virtual accreditation site visit of 13 CSULB credential programs was held from Feb. 26 to March 1. A team of 15 CTC reviewers interviewed more than 700 constituents including staff, faculty, students, alumni, school district representatives, community partners and college leadership.

In advance of the site visit, each program had to submit several reports with evidence addressing each of seven standards. The College of Education also had to prepare unit-level standards reports, which addressed five distinct common standards stipulated by the CTC.

All 13 active CSULB CTC credential programs under review were found to have met standards in seven areas. The campus programs reviewed included:

  • Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential (elementary level)
  • Single Subjects Teaching Credential (secondary level)
  • Two Education Specialist Teaching Credentials (mild-moderate and extensive needs)
  • Bilingual Teaching Authorizations
  • School Psychology
  • Speech and Language Program
  • School Social Work
  • Teacher Librarian
  • School Counseling
  • Preliminary Administrative Credential (school principal and administrators)
  • Reading Literacy Added Authorization
  • Adaptive Physical Education Authorization

After thoroughly reviewing all institutional and program reports, evidence, and interview results, Christine Zeppos, lead CTC reviewer, commented on the college’s “phenomenal” show rates and congratulated the CED for meeting all program standards.

She also commended the CED Credential Center team for having one of the smoothest operating teams in the state. The Credential Center supports all credential programs and students in meeting licensing requirements for both the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services.

CED Associate Dean Rebecca Bustamante led the planning effort.

“To be CTC-accredited means that we are certified to meet the highest standards in preparing future educators for our California schools,” she said.

Interim Dean Anna M. Ortiz expressed gratitude to all constituents who participated in interviews and highlighted the skilled professionalism and calm disposition of the College of Education in organizing a successful visit.

On May 4, the Committee on Accreditation (COA), on behalf of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, will vote to formalize CTC’s recommendation for full accreditation of the CSULB College of Education and all accompanying credential programs.