Expanding Opportunities: The Designated Subjects Adult Education Credential Program

The new Designated Subjects Adult Education Credential Program offered by Santa Clara Unified School District in collaboration with Evergreen Valley College is a critical initiative to address the growing demand for credentialed adult education teachers in California. This program provides a structured pathway for educators to obtain their adult education teaching credential, ensuring high-quality instruction for adult learners across the state.

Pictured left to right: Angel Fuentes - Evergreen Valley College; Steve Curiel - Huntington Beach Adult School; and Christine Berdiansky - Santa Clara Adult Education

A Game-Changing Approach: Free Credential Coursework

A key innovation of this program is that the required credential coursework is offered as non-credit, free courses through Evergreen Valley College. This eliminates a significant financial barrier for aspiring adult education teachers, making it easier for professionals to obtain their credentials without the high costs.

Why This Credential Matters

California faces a significant shortage of credentialed adult education teachers, particularly in academic subjects such as English as a second language and non-academic subjects such as health and safety and family education. While existing credentialing programs often emphasize children and youth, this initiative is specifically designed to support both academic and non-academic adult education pathways. By bridging this gap, the program strengthens the workforce and enhances educational opportunities for adult learners.

Program Overview

The credentialing process is divided into two key stages:

1. Preliminary Credential Process

• Teacher candidates meet with Santa Clara Adult Education (SCAE) staff for guidance.
• Required documents and transcripts are reviewed.
• The application is submitted to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
• The credential is typically issued within two months, allowing candidates to begin teaching.

2. Clear Credential Process

• Candidates must teach for at least four semesters over three years.
• School districts provide mentorship and supervision.
• Completion of the Evergreen Valley College Adult Education Teacher Pathway, which includes:
  • Adult Education Foundations
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Professionalism in Adult Education
  • Adult Education Portfolio Development
• Additional coursework such as CPR training, health education, and U.S. Constitution exams (if required).
• ​All required courses are provided as non-credit, tuition-free offerings at Evergreen Valley College.

Key Benefits of the Program

• ​Free Credential Coursework – The program eliminates financial barriers by offering all required courses as non-credit, free classes.
• Addresses Critical Teacher Shortages – Expands the pool of qualified adult educators, filling workforce gaps across California.
• Affordable & Accessible – The total cost for credentialing ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, making it an attainable goal for aspiring educators.
• Comprehensive Professional Development – Educators receive specialized training tailored to adult learning needs, ensuring high-quality instruction.

How Adult Schools Can Participate

​Before adult schools can enroll candidates in credentialing services, they need to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place with the adult school district. 

• Administrators who want to have their district participate in the program can fill out the MOU interest form here: MOU Interest Form for Districts​
• Teachers who are interested in obtaining their credential can indicate their interest in the program here: Teacher Interest Form

A Collaborative Effort

This program is made possible through the collaboration of Santa Clara Unified School District, Evergreen Valley College, and the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education (SBCAE). With support from multiple community colleges and adult education institutions, the initiative creates a streamlined and effective pathway for educators to gain their credentials.
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By investing in adult education credentialing, we strengthen our communities, expand career opportunities for educators, and ensure that adult learners receive the quality instruction they deserve.