CETA recommends that all Theatre educators in a public school setting in CA obtain the Theatre Credential, then add the English credential, and perhaps a CTE credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment to ensure ultimate flexibility in employment. Note: Anyone in CA who holds a current credential in any subject is eligible to add any other subject by passing the CSET and taking a methodology course.

Grandfathering/Authorization
The legislative language from SB 916, which was signed into 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.”

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.”

CETA continues to maintain this language as a basis for understanding the authorization agreements that accompanied the passage of SB 916 to establish single-subject credentials in Dance and Theatre in CA. PE and English retain authorization for dance and theater (grandfathering) for those who obtained the PE or  English credentials before the formal establishment of the new credentials.

The CTC will clarify the procedure it will utilize to adhere to this section of the law. The language that will be used is that of “authorization,” not grandfathering.

Subject Matter Examinations
CSET examinations are currently waived with approved coursework and a degree in the subject area.