When families consider private education for their children, questions about teacher qualifications naturally arise. St. Paul School and Preschool in Merced understands these concerns and wants parents to know that our commitment to academic excellence begins with our teaching staff.

While California law allows private schools flexibility in hiring, St. Paul takes a different approach. Every teacher on our faculty meets the “highly qualified teacher” requirements established by our accrediting bodies, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA). This isn’t by accident — it’s by design.

“We face a unique challenge at St. Paul: finding educators who not only meet California’s rigorous credentialing requirements but can also teach Christian Studies with depth and authenticity,” said Principal Ruth Sebastian. “It’s not enough to be academically qualified. Our teachers need to understand how to integrate faith naturally into every subject. We’re looking for the intersection of professional excellence and genuine Christian calling, and that’s a rare combination. But our students deserve teachers who can prepare them academically for any school they attend next while also nurturing their relationship with Christ.”

Multiple Paths; Same Standards

California operates a two-tier credential system designed to maintain high teaching standards while providing flexibility for qualified educators from diverse backgrounds. The preliminary credential, valid for five years, serves as the entry point, while the clear credential represents full certification completion.

The state recognizes three primary pathways to earning a California teaching credential, each with rigorous requirements:

• California-Prepared Teachers complete their entire preparation program within the state, including subject matter competence verification, the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), constitutional requirements, and comprehensive teacher preparation programs that address everything from English language development to health education and technology integration.
• Out-of-State Prepared Teachers bring valuable experience from other states but must still meet California’s standards. Depending on their background, they may qualify through different routes. Those with less than two years of experience complete additional requirements including California’s Teacher Induction Program and English learner authorization. Teachers with two or more years of verified full-time experience can often transition more directly, while those holding National Board Certification may qualify for immediate clear credentials.
• Private School Prepared Teachers with three to six years of experience in regionally accredited private schools can use their classroom experience in place of traditional student teaching requirements, though they must still complete the same subject matter competence, constitutional, and technology requirements as their publicly prepared counterparts.

“With my master’s degree in education, I felt ready for California’s expectations, but what really drew me here was the chance to bring together my two passions — teaching and leading worship. What I didn’t expect was how much freedom St. Paul would give me to be creative, like starting The ROAR podcast with our sixth-graders. It’s been such a joy to use all my training while also helping students develop their voices, grow in confidence, and use their gifts in ways that honor God.”

— Mr. Stallings, Sixth Grade

St. Paul’s Teaching Excellence Standard

At St. Paul, our teachers represent the best of these pathways. Every faculty member either holds a California teaching credential or has their credential pending through the state approval process.

Take Mr. Stallings (sixth grade) and Mrs. Morales (third grade), for example. They were hired with teaching experience and credentials from other states. Their out-of-state credentials represent the same rigorous preparation that California requires, including comprehensive subject matter preparation, classroom management training, and demonstrated teaching effectiveness.

“Before coming to St. Paul, I taught public middle school in Texas, where the standards for educators are very high. With my master’s degree in education, I felt ready for California’s expectations, but what really drew me here was the chance to bring together my two passions — teaching and leading worship,” said Mr. Stallings. “What I didn’t expect was how much freedom St. Paul would give me to be creative, like starting The ROAR podcast with our sixth-graders. It’s been such a joy to use all my training while also helping students develop their voices, grow in confidence, and use their gifts in ways that honor God.”

Mrs. Bogle, beginning her 11th year teaching kindergarten at St. Paul, represents something unique in today’s educational environment — she specifically prepared to become a Lutheran elementary school teacher. Her Lutheran Teaching Certificate from Concordia University required not only all the standard California credentialing coursework but additional religious education preparation and student teaching specifically in LCMS-affiliated schools.

“I knew I wanted to teach in a school where I could integrate faith and academics seamlessly,” says Mrs. Bogle. “After a decade at St. Paul, I still love watching kindergartners discover what it means to have Jesus as our Savior, and that learning itself is a gift from God.”

The Lutheran Teaching Certificate requirements go beyond typical credential programs:

• Active membership in an LCMS congregation
• Complete subject matter preparation programs
• Full Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential coursework
• Faculty recommendation from Concordia University
• Specialized student teaching in regionally accredited LCMS schools
• State of California credential filing

In addition to the above, Mrs. Bogle’s Lutheran Teaching Certificate required the following religious coursework:

• Introduction to Ministry 1
• Seminar in Teaching Ministry
• Called to Teach the Faith
• Practicum: Lutheran Teaching
• History & Literature of the Old Testament
• History & Literature of the New Testament
• History of the Christian Church
• Christian Doctrine I
• Christian Doctrine II

“It’s hard to imagine anyone more qualified than Mrs. Bogle when it comes to laying a solid faith foundation for students,” Mrs. Sebastian said. “Kindergartners are like sponges, thirsty for knowledge, and Mrs. Bogle has exactly the right combination of skills and experience to quench that thirst.”

Why Teacher Qualifications Matter for Your Child’s Future

Our insistence on highly qualified teachers isn’t about prestige, though we believe the quality of teachers are a hallmark of prestigious schools. It’s about preparation. Whether your child continues in private education or transitions to public schools for middle or high school, they need a foundation that meets or exceeds expectations anywhere they go.

“While I was a public school teacher in Nebraska, I immediately sought my California Teaching Credential as soon as I moved to Merced,” said Mrs. Morales. “I came to St. Paul because I appreciate the school’s commitment to hiring credentialed professionals who can also nurture students’ faith alongside their academics. It’s a blessing to teach the whole child — mind, heart, and spirit.”

Credentialed teachers bring proven competency in subject matter expertise, child development understanding, and pedagogical skills. They’ve demonstrated proficiency in creating age-appropriate learning experiences, managing diverse classrooms, and meeting the needs of all learners, including English language learners and students with varying abilities.

When your child moves on from St. Paul, they’ll encounter teachers who expect certain academic foundations and study skills. Our credentialed faculty ensure students develop these capabilities through research-based instructional methods and proven educational practices.

“I came to St. Paul because I appreciate the school’s commitment to hiring credentialed professionals who can also nurture students’ faith alongside their academics. It’s a blessing to teach the whole child — mind, heart, and spirit.”

— Mrs. Morales, Third Grade

The St. Paul Difference: Faith and Excellence Combined

While maintaining high academic standards, we never lose sight of our unique mission. Our teachers are committed to nurturing young believers and connecting families in a faith-based community.

This combination of professional excellence and spiritual dedication creates an environment where children receive both rigorous academic preparation and character development rooted in Christian values. Parents don’t have to choose between academic quality and faith-based education. At St. Paul, they get both.

Every day, our students are in classes with never more than 24 students each. They benefit from cutting-edge technology and individualized attention that larger schools simply cannot match.

The evidence of our school’s success shows in our students’ confidence, academic achievement, and readiness for their next educational steps. Whether they continue to public schools or other private institutions, St. Paul graduates arrive with the knowledge, skills, and character foundation they need to succeed.

As Principal Sebastian often notes, “Families should never feel the pull to sacrifice faith for academic excellence or academic excellence for faith. Our highly qualified teachers help us provide both.”

When you choose St. Paul, you’re choosing a school where every teacher brings both professional credentials and personal dedication to your child’s growth. That’s the foundation of educational excellence, and it’s what every child deserves.

St. Paul School and Preschool is located at 2916 McKee Road in Merced and has been serving Central Valley families since 1991. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA).