Teachers credentialed in English who obtained their credentials before the formal establishment of the Theatre credential retain the authorization to teach Theatre. This is also true for teachers who hold Subject-Matter of Supplemental Authorizations in Theatre in addition to another credential (i.e. Multiple Subjects).

According to state statute, once the credentialing programs exist, teachers who previously held Theatre credentials will maintain their authorization to teach theatre. The legislative language from SB 916, which was signed in to law in September 2016, states the following:

“A person issued a single subject teaching credential in English before the establishment of a single subject teaching credential in theatre is authorized to teach theatre. A person pursuing a single subject teaching credential in English before the establishment of a single subject teaching credential in theatre shall not become subject to additional requirements for the single subject teaching credential in English as a result of the authorization provided by this paragraph”

Also…

“Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a school district from employing a person who holds a single subject teaching credential in another subject with an authorization to teach theatre from teaching theatre...”