The basic requirement for preparation as a teacher of the deaf is a minimum of a full academic year of specialized preparation in this area. Currently there are about 55 places in the United States where this preparation is offered. In most programs the specialized preparation is a graduate program or fifth college year. In a few places the specialized preparation is part of the four year undergraduate program leading to a bachelorâs degree. However, a California credential requires a minimum of five years preparation.

Colleges in California that currently offer programs to prepare teachers of the deaf on the elementary level are the California State Universities at San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and the University of Southern California in affiliation with the John Tracy Clinic. California State University, Northridge prepares teachers of the deaf for secondary and elementary levels of teaching. Scholarships and fellowships are sometimes available in this field, and inquiry should be made to the specific college in regard to these.

Some other places in the West that prepare teachers of the deaf are the University of Arizona in Tucson, The Western Oregon State College in Monmouth and Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

Current State laws governing teacher credentialing require preparation to teach children who are not handicapped, as well as preparation in the specialized area for teachers of Exceptional Children.

Candidates for credentials must also pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Information in regard to courses should be obtained from the particular university where work will be taken as each university differs in the way it meets the requirements of the California credential laws.

Credentials are issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, P. O. Box 944270, (1900 Capitol Mall), Sacramento, California, 94244-2700. The applicant must be careful to specify the credential he/she is applying for.

Currently the fee is $82.50 and if fingerprint and character and identification clearance materials have not previously been submitted to the Commission, applicants must also submit: fingerprint cards processing fee through California Department of Justice, $32.00 and

Federal Bureau of Investigation, $24.00 for each application applied for, and a physical examination is required.

Application forms may be obtained at any County Superintendent of Schools Office, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing office in Sacramento and at California universities that prepare teachers.