About the Commission
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the state’s educators are well prepared, appropriately licensed, and demonstrate professional conduct.
As the state standards board for educator preparation, licensure, professional practices, and discipline, the Commission recognizes the positive impact that prepared and supported educators have on students.
We center equity, inclusion, and diversity in all that we do to support California’s current and aspiring educators as well as the state’s nearly six million students.
Leadership
Mary Vixie Sandy, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Mary Vixie Sandy serves as the Executive Director of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the nation’s oldest independent standards board for educators. As a policy leader with more than 25 years’ experience working in higher education and government, she currently oversees public policy related to educator preparation and licensing and directs an agency that awards over 250,000 credential documents per year and accredits more than 250 colleges, universities and local education agencies offering educator preparation programs.
Previously, Dr. Vixie Sandy served as the Executive Director of the UC Davis School of Education CRESS Center, as an Associate Director of Teacher Education and Public School Programs with the California State University Chancellor’s Office, and as a policy analyst for the California Department of Education and the California Postsecondary Education Commission. Dr. Vixie Sandy holds a Doctorate in Education from UC Berkeley, a Master’s Degree in Education from UC Davis, and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Sonoma State University. Her professional focus is on building the capacity of teachers, leaders, public schools and communities to meet the needs of California’s diverse student body.
Vanessa Whitnell
General Counsel
Adam Ebrahim
Chief Deputy Director
Rhonda Brown
Interim Chief Administrative Officer
Erin Skubal
Senior Director, Licensing Branch
Erin Sullivan
Division Director, Standards, Accreditation, and Workforce Investment
Juliet Wahleithner
Division Director, Research Evaluation, and Assessment
Amarjot Biring
Division Director, Technology and Innovation
Sara Saelee
Division Director, Administrative Services
Members of the Commission
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is guided by a dedicated group of professionals who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to their vital work shaping education across the state. The commissioners are appointed to ensure that California’s credentialing agency serves the needs of all students, educators, and communities. A full list of the Members of the Commission is available.
By the Numbers
Preliminary Teaching Credentials Issued (2023–24)
Applications Processed (2024-25)
Total Candidate Enrollment (2023-24)
New Educator Programs Approved (2024-25)
Vision and Guiding Principles
Driven by equity and justice, California’s educators engage in culturally sustaining practices to create learning opportunities that promote each student’s academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. The Commission’s guiding principles include:
- Advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity
- Taking a whole student approach
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and educators
- Accepting, affirming, and validating cultural and linguistic diversity
- Advancing the education profession
Our Strategic Plan puts forth the Commission’s guiding principles, goals, and strategies to progress towards this vision.
In accordance with the State Leadership Accountability Act (SLAA), the Commission on Teacher Credentialing submits this State Leadership Accountability Report on the review of our internal control and monitoring systems for the biennial period ending December 31, 2023.
View the Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s Policy Manual.
Our Story
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is an agency in the executive branch of California state government. It was created in 1970 by the Ryan Act and is the oldest of the autonomous state standards boards in the nation. The Commission is responsible for ensuring that California’s educators meet professional standards for preparation, competence, and conduct. The Commission enforces professional standards, approves educator preparation programs, issues teaching credentials and permits, and investigates allegations of professional misconduct. For more background, explore A History of Policies and Forces Shaping California Teacher Credentialing.
Location and Parking
Arriving and Parking at the May Lee State Office Compex (MLSOC)
- Approach MLSOC using Richards Boulevard or North 7th Street.
- When approaching MLSOC using Richards Boulevard, turn south onto North 6th Street and enter the parking garage or the North or South parking lot.
- When approaching MLSOC using North 7th Street, turn west onto North C Street or Bannon Street and enter the parking garage or the North or South parking lot.
- Park in any open parking spot. Parking can be reserved ahead time or a ticket can be pulled from the ticket machine upon entering.
Entering Southeast Tower and Checking in
- Cross Bannon Street and enter the Southeast Tower from any of the entrances.
- Make your way to the Commission Public Counter located in the Southeast Tower lobby.
- The Commission staff at the Commission Public Counter will provide further information about the meeting room and location.
Interested in working for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing? Check out our Employment Opportunities.
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento, CA 95811