CSUB and Kern Dance Alliance Launch Innovative Dance Education Credential Program to Empower Future Educators in California's Central Valley
Kern Dance Alliance and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking dance education credential program at CSUB, designed to cultivate the next generation of dance educators in California’s Central Valley.
This new initiative provides aspiring educators with access to a California single-subject teaching credential in dance, addressing a critical need for qualified dance professionals in elementary and high schools. As one of only a few such programs offered in the state, this milestone represents a significant advancement in arts education, enabling passionate individuals to pursue rewarding careers that combine their love for dance with the opportunity to inspire young minds.
“We are thrilled to partner with CSUB to bring this vital program to our region,” said Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of Kern Dance Alliance. “By equipping educators with the tools and credentials they need, we’re not only shaping the future of dance education but also ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant part of our community’s schools and our overall creative economy.”
“As a teacher education department, we are thrilled to be bringing this credential to Kern County. Students who feel a sense of belonging through extra-curricular activities are more successful in school and this is a critical and important way for our students to participate in their school communities. We look forward to seeing this bedrock of culture become a part of our credential program.” – Dr. Alice Hays, CSUB Teacher Education Department Chair
The program is particularly timely, supported by California’s Proposition 28, which allocates funding to expand arts education in public schools. This credential will empower participants to secure paid positions in the arts, fostering educational attainment and professional growth for those dedicated to dance.
Enrollment is currently open for the fall 2025 dance credential program. Interested individuals can learn more about the dynamic program by visiting csub.edu/DANCE.
For additional details on how Proposition 28 is bolstering this effort, explore kerndance.org/PROP28.
Link: CSUB DANCE CREDENTIAL PRESS KIT
About California State University, Bakersfield
CSUB is Kern County’s premier university, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for success in their careers and communities. With a commitment to excellence in education, CSUB serves as a hub for innovation and cultural enrichment in the Central Valley.
About Kern Dance Alliance
Kern Dance Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing dance in Kern County through education, performance, and community engagement. By fostering partnerships and programs like the CSUB single subject dance credential program, KDA works to make dance accessible and impactful for all.
