FAQs
Frequently asked questions
For answers to frequently asked questions about the Teacher Induction program, please expand the links below. For your convenience, the answers are grouped by category. If your question isn’t addressed below, please get in touch using our Contact Page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
To skip to a specific section of the FAQs, click on the link below:
Program
The Teacher Induction Program is a new program that replaces the Cal State Fullerton Clear Credential Program.
Our new program is designed to meet updated California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
requirements for earning a Clear Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential through
the General Education Teacher Induction program. Learn more about state requirements
at the CTC Website.
This program is not appropriate for teachers with an Education Specialist Credential. For information
about appropriate programs, contact Dr. Melinda Pierson, Special Education Department
Chair: mpierson@fullerton.edu.
The program is four semesters long and is designed to be completed over a two-year
period. Students that meet certain requirements may be able to apply for the Early Completion Option to complete the program in one year.
Program features:
- Fully online
- Strengthens new teachers’ professional practice and contributes to their future retention in the profession
- Provides a robust mentoring system that includes both “just in time” and longer term analysis of teaching practice to help candidates develop enduring professional skills
- Aligns with the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards (NBPTS) Five Core Propositions and the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Teachers
- Delivered by outstanding multiple and single subject educators with extensive online teaching experience
- Includes nine units of graduate credit for four courses delivered over four semesters
- Provides opportunities to engage with an online community of new teachers throughout California
- Provides individualized learning experiences based on candidates’ unique district, school and classroom environments
- Offers multiple opportunities to demonstrate growth.
The program is fully online and there are no required face-to-face meetings. However,
the program coordinator and course instructors are available for online or face-to-face
office hours and advisement.
The program is four semesters long (though there is an Early Completion Option for select candidates) and includes four courses for a total of nine graduate-course
units. The courses are a formative assessment and professional development for new
teachers. They focus on inquiry into teaching effectiveness, including analysis of
inquiry and assessment of teaching and learning.
| Year 1 | Fall | EDEL/EDSC 502E: New Teacher Induction, Semester 1 (3 units) |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | EDEL/EDSC 502F: New Teacher Induction, Semester 2 (2 units) | |
| Year 2 | Fall | EDEL/EDSC 502G: New Teacher Induction, Semester 3 (2 units) |
| Spring | EDEL/EDSC 502H: New Teacher Induction, Semester 4 (2 units) |
A three-unit class requires three hours per week (similarly, a two-unit class requires
two hours per week), plus additional time for studying, reading and assignments. These
are the same requirements for face-to-face classes. Class assignments will focus on
classroom teaching and development of proficiency in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).
An online course and a face-to-face course differ primarily in the way the course
is facilitated. Instead of meeting on campus at a fixed location and time, students
have more flexibility as to when and where they complete the course assignments and
other activities. Online courses are structured to keep students on track and are
actively facilitated by the instructor to ensure success. See our FAQ on Online Programs for more Information.
Courses will focus on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). In each course, candidates will advance on their Individual Learning Plan
(ILP), which is aligned with the CSTP. This will include consecutive cycles of identifying
professional growth goals; planning and implementing activities to achieve those goals;
developing new knowledge and skills; and assessing whether goals were achieved.
The Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) will be initiated within the first 60 days
of enrollment in the program. The plan will build on the knowledge and skills gained
during the Preliminary Preparation program and will be completed over four semesters.
It is a collaborative effort between the new teacher candidate, support provider and
course instructors, with input from the employer regarding the candidate’s job assignment.
The ILP will include professional growth goals; a description of how the candidate will work to meet those goals; defined and measurable outcomes; and planned opportunities to reflect on progress and modify the ILP as needed.
The ILP will include professional growth goals; a description of how the candidate will work to meet those goals; defined and measurable outcomes; and planned opportunities to reflect on progress and modify the ILP as needed.
To assess progress, the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) Continuum of Teaching Practice will be used in alignment with the candidate’s Individualized Learning Plan.
Up to nine units of credit may be applied to one of Cal State Fullerton’s graduate
programs in the College of Education. Please review our Graduate Program Information and contact the appropriate graduate program advisor for more information.
Admission
The application for the Teacher Induction Program is now open. The application for
the Fall 2019 cohort will close on June 30th for the Early Completion Option (ECO)
and on September 1st for the Traditional 2-year program. Please review the FAQs for more information about these programs. Join our email list below for updates.
Please visit the Teacher Induction Program Application page for instructions, including required documents.
To be eligible for the Teacher Induction Program, a candidate must meet all of the
following requirements:
- Hold a valid California Multiple or Single Subject Preliminary Credential. (Commission staff may issue an extension of time by appeal for a credential or permit when an applicant verifies good cause for not completing the renewal requirements. For additional information, go to CTC Extension by Appeal for Credentials and Permits and/or email credentials@ctc.ca.gov.
- During the program, be employed at least 25% by a California school district, charter school or private school. (Teachers employed outside of California may be eligible. For additional information, contact Dr. Victoria Costa, Teacher Induction Program Coordinator: vcosta@fullerton.edu.
- Approved Administrator Agreement Form that confirms your contract for the first year of the Teacher Induction Program. (For additional information, see below for District Responsibilities.)
- During the program, be employed as the teacher of record for no less than 10 students in assigned classrooms; plan, deliver, and assess standard based instruction, including the California Common Core State Standards; issue student grades; and be in direct communication with parents.
- Have access to a diverse population of students including English Language Learners, students with special needs and GATE students.
- Have face-to-face access to a mentor assigned by school district/site.
- Do not have a valid credential with at least two years remaining.
- Do not have a contract for the first year of the program for at least 25% employment as a teacher of record in a California K-12 school/district with an approved Administrator Agreement Form.
- Are day-to-day or long-term substitute teachers, instructional aides or RTI specialists.
- Hold a Ryan Credential.
- Are in need of clearing an Education Specialist/Special Education Credential.
- Were not prepared in California.
- Are teachers of record with responsibility for less than 10 students.
As long as you have earned a preliminary multiple or single subject credential, you
may apply to our program. Once admitted, you may apply to the CTC for an extension, if needed for your employing district.
This requirement is no longer valid. We recommend that prospective candidates check
with their employing district for advisement on their best option for a program to
clear their credential.
Teachers employed at least 25% part-time are acceptable as long as they meet all additional
admission criteria.
To continue in the program, you must remain employed by a California K-12 school with
an approved Administrator Agreement Form. If you change positions over the two-year period, you may continue in the program
as long as your new employing district meets this requirement. Participating teachers
who separate from their employment during a course will be required to stop out of
the program until re-employed.
In the event that students do not receive a B- or better in a course, they will be
required to stop out of the program and may not move forward until that course is
successfully completed. A course may be repeated one time in order to receive a passing
grade, but they will only receive credit/units for the course one time. Depending
on your situation, this could result in a delay of a year or more.
Please review the Standards for Continued Participation in Credential Programs at California State University,
Fullerton for the expectations of all students in the program, as well as program removal information.
Standards for Continued Participation in Credential Programs at California State University,
Fullerton outlines procedures for how a student may appeal a decision. Forms are included in
this document.
Applicants who are teaching in international or out-of-state settings may qualify
for the program if they meet California content and contexts. Additional information
is found at the TIP Handbook's Candidates Teaching in International or Out-of-State Settings section.
Yes. However, our program only meets the induction requirement. See additional information
at the TIP Handbook's Out-of-State Credential Holders section.
TIP Early Completion Option
For information regarding TIP Early Completion Option please visit the Early Completion Option webpage.
Cost and Financial Aid
The program is offered through University Extension and the current cost is $650 per
unit. The total cost of the Traditional program is $5,850 (excluding fees) for 9 units.
(Costs are divided over four semesters.) The total cost of the Early Completion Option
program is $3,250 (excluding fees) for 5 units. (Costs are divided over three semesters.)
Program and course costs are subject to change.
Extension students are not eligible for traditional financial aid. However, University
Extension provides information that may assist students to participate in a variety
of student private loan programs. Please refer to Financial Assistance for Continuing Education.
District Responsibilities
The Administrator Agreement Form needs to be signed by the district administrator. It is an official document signed
by the school district which confirms candidate employment, and identifies the mentor(s)
assigned by your district. The agreement describes the responsibilities of the district,
mentor and candidate. A candidate cannot work with a mentor in a district without
a current approved Administrator Agreement Form.
Site administrators will assign a mentor to candidates per the Administrator Agreement Form. Mentor contact information will be provided to the program coordinator, who will
initiate communication regarding support expectations.
Mentor Responsibilities
Each candidate will receive an average of one hour per week of individualized support/mentoring
coordinated and/or provided by the mentor.
Per CTC requirements and the Cal State Fullerton/Site Administrator Agreement, mentors
will be assigned by the site administrator within 30 days of enrollment in the program.
Mentors may be assigned to support more than one new teacher candidate.
There are several reasons why a candidate may need to be placed with a different mentor
other than the one originally assigned. Whatever the reason, it is the responsibility
of the participants to alert the program director of the change. Efforts will be made
to maintain respect and sensitivity for all of those involved and to work collaboratively
towards a solution. Appropriate information will only be shared when needed.
The Teacher Induction Program assigns qualified mentors and provides guidance and
clear expectations for the mentoring experience based on program design features.
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires the following qualifications
of mentors:
- Knowledge of the contexts and the content area of the new teacher's teaching assignment;
- Demonstrated commitment to professional learning and collaboration;
- Possession of a Clear Teaching Credential;
- Ability, willingness and flexibility to meet the new teacher's needs for support;
- Competence in mentoring practices and familiarity with the Teacher Induction Program, including willingness to participate in online training activities;
- Minimum of three years of effective teaching experience; and
- Approval by the new teacher's site administrator to serve in the role of mentor.
TIP mentors are expected to spend a minimum of five hours per month during the academic
year. They have access to many online resources and have the option of completing
online professional development to develop their knowledge and skills in mentoring
practice. See additional information in the TIP Handbook's Mentor Qualifications and Responsibilities section.
Responsibilities of the Teacher Induction Program mentor include the following:
- Supporting the development, implementation, evaluation and revision of the TIP Individualized Learning Plan;
- Supporting the design, implementation and reflection of classroom practice through the TIP POP Cycle of Classroom Observation;
- Supporting the collaborative assessment of the new teacher's development level on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession Continuum of Teaching Practice;
- Providing “just in time” support for the new teacher, in accordance with the ILP, along with longer-term guidance to promote enduring professional skills;
- Completing the Teacher Induction Program Orientation; and
- Communicating in a timely manner with the TIP Project Coordinator.
Ongoing training and support for mentors include access to online resources such as
training modules; information on coaching and mentoring; use of appropriate mentoring
instruments; support for individual mentoring challenges; reflection on mentoring
practice; and opportunities to engage with mentoring peers in professional learning
networks. Mentors will have the opportunity to self-assess and receive formative feedback
on their mentoring practice. Training and support resources will be made available
to mentors prior to the beginning of each semester.
For futher information please contact Denelle Pankratz at dpankratz@fullerton.edu
The program can assign a university-based mentor at no additional cost; however, you
will need to cover any expenses associated with videotaping and digitally sharing
a classroom lesson each semester. Additional information on university-based mentors
is found at the TIP Handbook's Mentor Requirements section.
Applying for the Clear Credential
Upon completion of the Teacher Induction Program, candidates will apply for the Clear
Credential through the Credential Preparation Center. The application requires documentation of current CPR certification and a processing
fee.
More Information
See these resources for additional information.
- Registration Support: Denelle Pankratz, 657-278-2605 or dpankratz@fullerton.edu
- Advisement: Dr. Victoria Costa, Teacher Induction Program Coordinator, vcosta@fullerton.edu
- TIP Handbook's Mentor Requirements section
- CSUF Credential Preparation Center
- CSUF Graduate Programs in Education
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
What's Your Next Step?
Send us a note via our contact form or join the Teacher Induction Program email list. If you join the email list, we will send you a program guide and you will receive program and application updates.
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Non-California Residents: Due to state and federal regulations, non-California residents may only enroll in CSUF online courses when their state has authorized CSUF as a provider. Click here for more information.
