English Education Option
Welcome to the English Education page at CSU Channel Islands! This option is meant for undergraduates who know that they want to teach at the middle or high school level after they complete their degree. It is also helpful for those who want to pursue other secondary school careers such as librarians, counselors, or administrators, since these career paths often involve classroom teaching first.
Below we provide answers to some frequently asked questions about the English Education Option.
- What does the English Education Option do for me?
- How do I add the Emphasis and which classes should I take?
- Who do I contact, and how often?
- How early can I begin in the program?
- When is the portfolio due?
- What else do I need to do to get into a credential program?
What does the English Education Option do for me?
To be certified as knowledgeable in their fields, prospective teachers need to complete the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)or receive a subject matter competency letter that comes from taking coursework at an approved university.
The good news: CI is approved to provide you with subject matter competency, so that if you complete the English Education option successfully, you will receive a letter that waives the CSET exam. You will also benefit by gaining much more background in English education than you possibly could develop by taking a test.
How do I add the emphasis and which courses do I take?
You need to add the English Education emphasis (contact the Registrar's office for the emphasis form) and follow the requirements for the English B.A. as laid out in the catalog, adding the coursework listed at the end of the BA under Options: English Education.
Additional requirements are to meet with the English Education advisor annually.
Who do I contact if I am taking this option and how often?
You need to see the English Education advisor, Kim Vose, at least once per year while you are at CI.
Contact information:
Dr. Kim Vose
Email: kim.vose@csuci.edu
Phone: 805-437-3965
Location: Bell Tower West 1116
Fall 2022 Office Hours:
Zoom Office Hours: Mondays, 4:00-5:00, Thursdays 10:00 - 11:15 & by appointment
Drop by my office (Zoom room)
Office: Bell Tower West 1116
In Person Office Hours (or zoom!): Wednesdays 2:00-2:45
Can’t make that time? I’m available at other times by appointment. Just ask!
How early can I begin in the program?
The earlier you begin, the easier it is to fold in the courses to fill electives and other requirements, but you can start at any time. An advising appointment is the best way to see how much time it will take you to complete the program. It’s also a good way to find out when courses are offered and what sequence to follow.
When is the portfolio due?
The portfolio is due the semester prior to enrolling in Capstone. Students will be eligible to begin Capstone by completing the Capstone Entrance Portfolio. The portfolio is due by November 1 for students planning a to enroll in Capstone for the spring or April 1 for fall enrollment.
What else do I need to do to get into a credential program?
Different universities have different requirements for their credential programs, so you will need to check with the specific university you are planning to attend. At CI, the credential program offers information sessions multiple times each year. Make sure you ask about the secondary program rather than multiple subjects.
At these sessions you will learn about additional materials you need to provide, such as the CBEST test (different from the CSET), fingerprinting, recommendations and observation hours. You will also find out about deadlines. You are strongly recommended to attend an information session at least the year before you plan to graduate.
We usually invite a CSUCI credential analyst to offer our students a private information session. However, if you have questions, do not wait for this; go to an information session and ask your questions.