CEIS Makes History by Recognizing Credential Candidates at Commencement
The College of Education and Integrative Studies (CEIS) made history during its 2026 Commencement ceremony by welcoming credential candidates to participate in the celebration for the first time, recognizing the dedication and achievements of future educators who have completed rigorous professional preparation programs.
For credential candidates, participation in Commencement provided a meaningful opportunity to commemorate the culmination of years of coursework, field experiences, student teaching and professional growth alongside their peers. It also enabled the graduates, credential candidates, faculty, staff, family members, and friends to celebrate academic achievement and professional accomplishment.
CEIS Dean Jenelle S. Pitt-Parker emphasized the significance of expanding Commencement participation to include credential candidates and the broader impact of educator preparation programs.
“Commencement is a significant opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our credential candidates and affirm the full continuum of student success here at CPP, including aspiring educators, classroom-ready professionals and community-centered educational leaders, said Pitt-Parker. “As the CSU prepares one in 25 teachers nationally and approximately half of California's credentialed teachers, celebrating our credential completers underscores the essential role they play in strengthening the educator workforce ecosystem.”
The inclusion of credential candidates reflects CEIS's commitment to recognizing the critical role educators play in shaping the future of California's schools and communities. Education Department Chair Jann Pataray-Ching reflected on the importance of this milestone.
“We are delighted to welcome our credential candidates into Commencement, recognizing their dedication to the teaching profession and their commitment to serving future generations of students. Their participation gives us, the university community, family and friends an opportunity to celebrate student success, to honor the vital role educators play in shaping our communities and to advance educational excellence.”
The inaugural participation of credential candidates recognizes the importance of honoring students who have completed rigorous educator preparation programs and are ready to serve schools and communities throughout the region.
It also reflects the college's broader mission to prepare equity-minded educators and leaders who will serve schools and communities across Southern California and beyond.
While the conferral of a credential remains a separate process that occurs after all state and program requirements have been verified, Commencement provided an opportunity to publicly recognize candidates' accomplishments, celebrate their readiness to enter the profession and acknowledge the dedication required to complete a professional educator preparation program.
As CEIS continues to prepare future teachers, administrators, and educational leaders, the inclusion of credential candidates in commencement establishes a new tradition that honors the vital role educators play in strengthening schools, communities and California’s future workforce.