Requirements for Special Education Teachers

NCLB teacher requirements are based on the curriculum taught and the particular grade level the curriculum is delivered in. For additional information, please contact the NCLB Compliance Unit.

Elementary

Elementary special education teachers “New” to the profession must demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in Multiple Subjects (Subtest I, II, and III).

Elementary special education teachers identified as “Not New” to the profession may demonstrate subject matter competence through the HOUSSE process.

Secondary

Secondary special education teachers “New” to the profession teaching core academic subject in a departmentalized (secondary level) setting have the following options available to meet NCLB teacher requirements.

• Passing the California Subjects Examination for Teachers (CSET) in the core subject.
• Completing a CCTC approved subject matter program in the core subject.
• Having an undergraduate major in the core subject.
• Obtaining an undergraduate major equivalent (32 non-remedial semester units) in the core subject.
• Obtaining a graduate degree in the core subject.

Special education teachers “Not New” to the profession teaching in a self-contained setting or a core academic subject in a departmentalized (secondary level) setting may demonstrate subject matter competency by any of the options listed above or through the HOUSSE process.

Resource Specialist

Resource specialist who only provide consultation services, instructional support services to the teacher of core academic subjects, or deliver special instructional assistance within the classroom where the core academic subject is taught are not required to meet NCLB teacher requirements.