Teacher Induction - California Clear Credential (University Mentor Track)

• Teachers must hold a California Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and/or Education Specialist credential
• Teachers must be employed in a contracted teaching position as teacher of record for no less than 50% time in a teaching assignment that matches the subjects and/or grade levels of the California preliminary credential that is being cleared. In an elementary (multiple subject) classroom, the teaching assignment must include time teaching at least two core subject areas (reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, or performing/visual arts), one of which must be reading/language arts or mathematics. The term of employment must overlap significantly with the time frame when the induction program courses are offered, late August through May.
• Teachers may be employed at public schools, charter schools, or private schools. Education Specialists may also be employed at non-public schools (NPS). Schools must be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or an equivalent regional institution.
• Teachers must have met the state’s California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and subject matter competence (CSET) requirements prior to admission to the induction program.
• Teachers holding a Level 1 Education Specialist credential may be required to take additional coursework. Any fees associated with additional coursework are the responsibility of the teacher.

Who is eligible for this induction program?

• Teachers must hold a California Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and/or Education Specialist credential.
• Teachers must be employed in a contracted teaching position as teacher of record for no less than 50% time in a teaching assignment that matches the subjects and/or grade levels of the California preliminary credential that is being cleared. In an elementary (multiple subject) classroom, the teaching assignment must include time teaching at least two core subject areas (reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, or performing/visual arts), one of which must be reading/language arts or mathematics. The term of employment must overlap significantly with the time frame when the induction program courses are offered, late August through May.
• Teachers may be employed at public schools, charter schools, or private schools. Education Specialists may also be employed at non-public schools (NPS). Schools must be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or an equivalent regional institution.
• Teachers must have met the state’s California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and subject matter competence (CSET) requirements prior to admission to the induction program.

For questions about eligibility, contact us at 310-206-8342 or credentials@uclaextension.edu

Am I eligible for the program if I teach in a non-traditional classroom setting, e.g. studio teacher, correctional facilities teacher, online instructor, home school teacher, etc.?

This depends on the circumstances of employment. Correctional facilities teachers are not eligible due to privacy concerns. Online teachers, home school teachers, and studio teachers are eligible if the school or program is affiliated with a public/private school or is listed with a CDS code with the CA Department of Education.

Can I clear my Multiple Subject credential if I am teaching in a preschool?

Yes. Requirements to clearing a Multiple Subject credential while teaching preschool are:

• Teach at a regionally accredited school
• Utilize and follow CA Preschool Learning Framework
• Utilize and follow CA Preschool Learning Foundations
• Write lesson plans and assess using the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)

Can I clear my credential if I am unemployed or a substitute teacher?

No. Per recent CTC changes to the induction standards, only employed teachers are eligible for induction. These changes took effect September 1, 2017.

Can I clear my credential while teaching outside of California?

Yes. Out-of-state and out-of-country teachers may apply to the program and may be admitted if they meet the above eligibility requirements and if their site administrator agrees that the teacher will be able to:

• Plan, teach, and assess student learning for subjects and skills in California’s content standards and curriculum frameworks that match the preliminary credential that is being cleared
• Demonstrate differentiation of instruction, create supportive learning environments, and conduct formative and summative assessments for a range of student ability levels, cultural backgrounds, and English language skills

Can I clear my preliminary credential if it has expired?

Yes. As long as the teacher meets the eligibility requirements above, the teacher may still enroll and participate in induction with an expired credential. Most public school employers will require the teacher to appeal for an extension. Please view the CTC AL-3 leaflet  (pdf) for instructions on the appeal process.

I have a multiple subject credential but teach in a single subject classroom. Am I eligible to clear my multiple subject credential in this program?

It depends. A teacher is eligible to clear a multiple subject credential if (a) the teaching assignment is in an elementary or middle school, or is for teaching students elementary-level or middle-school level curriculum, and (b) the teacher is teaching at least two core subject areas in the multiple subject curriculum (reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, or visual/performing arts), one of which must be reading/language arts or mathematics.

I have a single subject credential but teach in an elementary classroom. Am I eligible to clear my single subject credential in this program?

No, an elementary teaching position (typically grades K-5) does not provide sufficient opportunities to teach secondary-level curriculum and to use developmentally appropriate instructional strategies for adolescents.

Do I need an induction program if I have a Ryan credential?

This depends on the specific renewal requirements listed on the credential. Teachers should look up their credential at www.ctc.ca.gov. If Induction is not listed, candidate may be eligible to apply directly to the CTC for a clear credential if they have one of the following:

• Master’s degree
• 30 semester units, beyond the Bachelor’s degree, in a defined field of study
• A second Bachelor’s degree
• A dual major Bachelor’s degree
• A Bachelor’s degree with 150 semester units

It is recommended that Ryan candidates confirm this eligibility with the CTC directly at credentials@ctc.ca.gov.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program is completed in two academic years, with courses spread out over two fall terms and two spring terms that parallel a K-12 school system’s semesters. Early Completion Option (ECO) candidates begin in the Spring term (January) only and can complete the program in 1.5 years.

Can I start the program at any time?

New cohorts begin in the Fall of each academic year (September). Candidates that qualify for the Early Completion Option (ECO) are waived out of the first Induction/Inquiry cycle and join their fellow cohort members in the Spring (January).

What is the cost of the program?

University Mentor Track tuition is $8,615, not to be paid up front. Course fees will be paid upon enrollment in individual courses. This track is for teachers whose school is unable to provide a qualified school mentor. UCLA will provide a university mentor.

School Mentor Track tuition is $5,615, not to be paid up front. Course fees will be paid upon enrollment in individual courses. This track is for teachers whose school can provide a qualified school mentor.

Is financial aid available?

For resources on funding your education, please visit UCLA Extension Financial Aid

How many courses and/or units are required?

• There are a total of four core induction program courses (24 academic units) designed for teacher participants to develop, implement, and assess their progress for an individual learning plan and goals for improving their teaching practices, with guidance from a mentor and a course instructor. These core courses are spread out over four quarters (2 academic years).
• Teacher participants who are working with a university mentor also enroll in an induction mentor support course each quarter (8 total continuing education units), while concurrently completing core courses. (Teacher participants who are working with a mentor from an approved induction partner school or district do not enroll in the mentor support courses.)
• Finally, all teacher participants start the program with a short, two-week introduction to transitioning from a preliminary credential program to an induction program and measuring professional growth using the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (no units).

Can I clear both of my credentials simultaneously?

Yes. A teacher may clear more than one preliminary credential in the program. UCLA Extension is authorized to offer induction programs for clearing Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist credentials. If the teacher’s contracted teaching position matches only one of the credentials being cleared, the teacher participant will need to consult with an induction program advisor during the admissions process about ways to gain access to students where he/she can teach the appropriate content or levels and demonstrate California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) growth for the second credential. Based on that counseling sessions, the teaching participant and the UCLA Extension Induction Program will agree to an individualized induction plan and time frame needed to meet induction requirements for both credentials.

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CONTACT INFORMATION: 

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Website: Contact the Commission