California Attorney General Opinion 24-1002

BACKGROUND

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is responsible for determining whether a person possesses the minimum qualifications needed “for entry and advancement in the education profession” in this State. 1 As its name suggests, the Commission issues various teaching credentials that allow qualified recipients to provide classroom instruction in the public school system. 2 But the Commission also issues “services” credentials that allow recipients to provide specialized services other than

1 Ed. Code, § 44225, subd. (a). 2 Ed. Code, § 44225, subd. (b)(1)(A)-(C).

1 24-1002 classroom instruction. 3 These services include, among other things, “school counseling, school psychology, child welfare and attendance services, and school social work.”

The Commission also issues administrative services credentials to individuals with qualifying experience in providing either classroom instruction or specialized services. 5 These credentials generally allow recipients to direct, coordinate, or supervise other “certificated” employees and the programs that those employees operate. 6 So, for example, an individual who possesses an administrative credential may…