Recognizing the importance of expanding access to arts education, voters passed California Proposition 28 (the Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act) in 2022. The measure required the state to establish an ongoing program to support arts instruction in schools starting last school year with 80% of funding for staff and the remainder to cover training, supply costs, and educational partnership programs. California estimates a need for up to 15,000 new visual and performing arts (VAPA) teachers statewide.
To help meet this demand, starting in January 2025, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) School of Education will offer a program for already-credentialed TK–12 teachers who want to earn a dance, art, music, or theater credential. The goal is to help participants quickly meet their credential requirements and submit required paperwork to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) by March 2025—in time to transfer or be reassigned for next school year.
- Apply Online—Candidates should submit their online application and work with program staff to evaluate Subject Matter Competency (major, college coursework, completion of subject matter preparation program, passing the CSET, or a combination).
Applicants will be invited to attend one of three online information sessions:
- 10/22/24 Information Session (4 p.m.)
- 11/14/24 Information Session (4:30 p.m.)
- 12/16/24 Information Session (5 p.m.)
Pricing and More Information
VAPA credential courses will begin in February and will be conducted on Saturdays (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) via Zoom. The program costs $1,800, plus CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) and CTC filing fees. A preparation course for the CSET will be offered in January for those who need to demonstrate Subject Matter Competency. The cost including the CSET preparation course is $2,000.
For questions about the program or the application process, email croberts@scoe.net, or visit www.scoeteaching.net/addacredential.
Becoming a Teacher
For those who are interested in a career in education and want to earn their teaching credential, the SCOE School of Education will be offering new VAPA pathways through its Teacher Intern Program. Starting in January 2025, VAPA credential programs will be offered for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in music, art, theater, or dance. These programs will be in addition to the established coursework for earning math, science, English language arts, and special education credentials.