Menu

Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is the Teacher Preparation Institute?
      The Teacher Preparation Institute is a resource center established to help students succeed in becoming future educators, e.g. K-12 credentialed teacher, Transitional Kindergarten Teacher, Instructional Aide and more. The Institute provides a central place (26A Room 1610) where students can get counseling, advisement and assistance about anything related to becoming an educator in the state of California.
    • Who is eligible to be part of the Teacher Preparation Institute?
      Anyone who is taking Mt. SAC courses leading to becoming an instructional aide and/or transferring to a 4-year teacher or service credential program is eligible to participate in the Teacher Preparation Center. Students new to Mt. SAC must enroll in the college and complete a Mt. SAC Orientation prior to attending a Teacher Preparation Institute Orientation Session.
    • How does a person enroll in the program?
      Attend an Orientation Session
    • What services does the center provide?

      The Teacher Prep Center provides:

      • Seminars/webinars
      • Coursework advisement
      • Transfer advisement
      • Academic Counseling
      • CSU & UC transfer application assistance
      • TB test reimbursement
      • Livescan (fingerprinting) reimbursement
      • CBEST test reimbursement
      • CSET Multiple Subject test reimbursement

      These services are only for Teacher Prep members. The Center also keeps Teacher Prep students informed via TPI's Canvas Hub.

    • How can I get some experience related to teaching while I'm a member of the Teacher Preparation Institute?

      TPI  highly recommends members to volunteer and/or work in an education setting, e.g., after-school program, tutoring, Sunday school. Volunteering gives members exposure to the classroom and allows for connections to be made with teachers and administrators. Virtual tutoring and other teaching-related virtual activities are also accepted. For more information, go to the volunteer opportunities page. 

    • What is the difference between teaching in elementary school and teaching at a high school?
      Elementary school teachers stay with the same students all day and teach them all subjects. Thus, to become an elementary school teacher one must have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
       
      Most middle school and all high school teachers teach their specialty subjects; they teach different students during different periods of the day. Secondary school teachers must have a Single Subject Credential.
       
    • How do I become qualified to be an elementary school teacher?

      To obtain a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential, you must:

      • Have no criminal record, no felonies or misdemeanors (certain misdemeanors will not exclude a person from applying for a credential program, but others will). A certificate of clearance is sometimes available, if needed. Applications are submitted to the California Department of Education.
      • Have a Bachelor’s or higher degree with at least a 2.76 cumulative GPA.
      • Complete an approved teacher preparation program, including student teaching.
      • Meet the Basic Skills Requirement via coursework, the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) or other methods provided by CTC, pass the RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) test, and TPA (Teacher Performance Assessments) and TPE (Teacher Performance Expectations). If students opt to take the CBEST test, TPI encourages them to take the CBEST test after completing Math 71 and English 1A. Mt. SAC’s Teacher Preparation Institute offers a library of resources on the CBEST.  Students should take the RICA after taking appropriate reading methodology classes at the university level.
      • Participate in a subject matter undergraduate competency program or pass the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) in "Multiple Subjects."
        The CSET for elementary school teachers is a 5-hour test arranged in three subsets:
        1. Reading, Language and Literature, History and Social Sciences (Subtest I)
        2. Science and Math (Subtest II)
        3. P.E., human development, visual and performing arts (Subtest III)

      As of Fall 2021, the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) and Subject Matter Competency requirement can be met by coursework. However, approved coursework can vary depending on the institution. For more information, go to the CBEST & CSET page. 

      • Pass U.S. Constitution and Developing English Language Skills courses at any graduate level teacher preparation program. When future elementary school teachers have completed their B.A. degrees, they sometimes begin an internship or pre-internship program if they have received a job offer from a school district.
      • Pass the RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) test.

      After obtaining a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and beginning to teach, students must complete a fifth year of study and take graduate level courses in health education, special education and computer education. Then they receive a Clear Credential.

    • How do I become qualified to be a Secondary School Teacher?

      To obtain a Preliminary Single Subject Credential, you must:

      • Meet the Basic Skills Requirement via coursework, the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) or other methods provided by CTC. 
      • Have no criminal record, no felonies or misdemeanors (certain misdemeanors will not exclude a person from applying for a credential program, but others will). A certificate of clearance is sometimes available, if needed. Applications are submitted to the California Department of Education.
      • Have a bachelor’ degree with at least a 2.76 cumulative GPA (for all CSU campuses).
      • Participate in a subject matter undergraduate competency program or pass the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) in one of the single-subjects: Agriculture, Art, Business, English, Health Science, Home Economics, Industrial and Technology Education, Language other than English, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Physics and Social Science. Most universities offer some, but not all, of these bachelor’s degree programs. 

      As of Fall 2021, the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) and Subject Matter Competency requirement can be met by coursework. However, approved coursework can vary depending on the institution. For more information, go to the CBEST & CSET page. 

      • Complete an approved teacher preparation program, including student teaching or internship.
      • Pass U.S. Constitution and Developing English Language Skills courses or pass a test in the subject, depending on the university’s policy.
      • Complete an approved teacher preparation program, including student teaching. If you have a bachelor’s degree and a job offer, you may be eligible for a pre-intern or intern certificate in lieu of completing a teacher preparation program.

      After obtaining a Preliminary Single Subject Credential and beginning to teach, students must complete a fifth year of study and take graduate level courses in health education, special education and computer education. Then they receive a Clear Credential.

    • How do I become qualified to be a Special Education Teacher?

      Special education teachers teach in the area of specialization listed on the credential in the following settings: special day classes, special schools, home/hospital settings, correctional facilities, nonpublic schools and agencies, and resource rooms.

      To become a Special Education Teacher you must:

      • Have a bachelor’s degree with at least a cumulative GPA of 2.76 (for all CSU campuses) or higher degree.
      • Meet the Basic Skills Requirement via coursework, the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) or other methods provided by CTC.  
      • Participate in a subject matter undergraduate competency program or pass the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers).
      • Complete an accredited Education Specialist Credential program in an education specialist category, including student teaching
      • Pass the RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) test.
      • Pass U.S. Constitution and Developing English Language Skills courses or pass a test in the subject, depending on the university’s policy.

      After obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential and beginning to teach, students must complete a fifth year of study and take graduate level courses in health education, special education and computer education. Then they receive a Clear Credential.

    • Are there other credentials besides multiple, single subject, special ed and TK?

      The Commission on Teacher Credentialing has an array credentials that can be viewed on their website., e.g., Designated Subjects Career Technical Education Teaching Credential for teaching adults, and Pupil Personnel Service Credential for those who want to become School Counselors, School Psychologist, School Nurse, etc.

    • How do I become a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher? 

      To become a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher you must:

      Meet the same requirements as that of a Multiple Subject teacher.  In addition, Senate Bill 876 added additional requirements for TK Teachers.  School districts and charter schools shall ensure that credentialed teachers who are first assigned to a TK classroom after July 1. 2015, have, by August 1, 2020, one of the following:

      1. At least 24 units in early childhood education, or childhood development, or both.
      2. As determined by the local educational agency employing the teacher, professional experience in a classroom setting with preschool age children that is comparable to the 24 units of education described above.
      3. A child development teacher permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

      For detailed information regarding TK, including requirements, stipends, etc., visit: Transitional Kindergarten FAQs

    • What if I already have a Bachelor's Degree?

      People already holding Bachelor's degrees are sometimes allowed to complete their "professional preparation" or fifth year coursework while being employed as teachers. Internship programs require students to complete 120 hours of intensive initial preparation prior to taking on daily teaching responsibilities; the internship lasts one to two years. This program is suitable for teacher candidates who may enter to the profession after serving in other careers.

    • How do I know I'm taking the right courses to transfer?

      Students participating in Teacher Prep can meet with a TPI Academic Counselor on a walk-in basis and/or attend a virtual drop in transfer advising date with a representative from Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Los Angeles, or University of California, Riverside.

      For more information on counselor and university representative hours, visit Counseling

    • What kind of qualities make a successful teacher?

      According to EUREKA, a software program developed to assist students in determining the "best fit" for their future careers, successful teachers have the:

      • Ability to communicate and relate well to people
      • Ability to make judgments using knowledge or experience
      • Above average ability to check accuracy
      • Ability to work under pressure
      • Ability to work independently
      • Ability to use problem-solving skills

      Based on other resources, Teacher Preparation Institute adds that successful teachers have:

      • A strong desire to work with young people as well as to have a positive impact on their lives
      • A willingness to work with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities
      • Ability to be creative, energetic and patient
      • The competence to be organized, work unsupervised, and be willing to implement and maintain discipline
    • What kind of salary can I look forward to as a teacher?

      According to the California Department of Education, the average salary of public school teacher in 2022-2023 for the state of California was about $95,160.*

      According to Table B-6 of the National Education Association’s (NEA) Rankings & Estimates: Rankings of the States 2022 and Estimates of School Statistics 2023 report, California’s 2022–23 average teacher salary ranked second highest in comparison to all other states. To download and view NEA's full report, please visit NEA's web site.

      *Note: Because teacher salaries are established by each school district, you may contact a school district directly for more specific information about salary and benefits.

      For more information on teacher salaries, please visit: California Department of Education

    • How long will it take for me to get a job as a teacher?

      That depends on your school schedule. Students can complete their freshman and sophomore level class work (approximately 60 units) at Mt. SAC, and for some that will take four semesters of full-time commitment.

      For other students who attend part-time, it will take longer. To complete the bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution requires approximately another 60 units of class work, another two years of full-time attendance or perhaps longer if attending part-time. Upon receiving the bachelor’s degree, some students are hired by school districts while they complete their fifth year of study as an intern.

      Other students continue taking classes for one or two more semesters to receive their preliminary teaching credential and then to apply for teaching positions.

    • When am I qualified to be hired as a substitute teacher?

      Certain school districts are allowed to hire as substitute teachers students who have completed 90 units of college-level class work and who have met the Basic Skills Requirement. You can call a particular school’s district office to find out their required qualifications for substitute teachers.

      I’m an Instructional Aide already employed at a school district. How do I become a credentialed teacher?

      Paraprofessional(Instructional Aide) Teacher Training Programs exist in certain school districts and at certain colleges. They are grant-funded programs designed to assist K-12 paraprofessionals, like instructional aides and library-media aides, to become credentialed classroom teachers.

      Recent federal legislation requires that all paraprofessionals in Title 1 schools will have to be "highly qualified," which is currently defined as having either an Associates Degree, two years' of college credits, or the passing of a "rigorous" test given by the district. Instructional Aides are encouraged to contact their districts to find out the particular process by which they have decided to assist Aides in becoming "highly qualified".

    • How do I become an Instructional Aide?

      School districts are currently only employing new Instructional Aides who are considered "highly qualified" by the  No Child Left Behind educational reform standards. To qualify, a candidate must meet ONE of the following:

      1. have a 2-year college degree
      2. have completed 48 college-level units
      3. pass a test created by the individual school district

      Mt. SAC can provide coursework counseling for students who want to receive a degree for Instructional Aides (Paraprofessionals). Instructional Aides usually work throughout the school day, five days a week.

    • I know that the Teacher Preparation Institute strongly encourages all students to apply for Financial Aid. What kind of financial aid is available?

      Financial aid is a term that covers a wide variety of programs that help students and families pay for college or graduate school.

      One type is a scholarship, a financial gift, available from organizations, often based on academic achievement.

      Another type is a grant, which is financial aid, which does not need to be repaid. A grant, such as the Cal Grant T, financial aid for teachers, is often based on need.

      The third type is a loan, money that must be repaid with interest –unless the loan is forgiven in return for a commitment to teach in high-need subjects or areas, such as in California’s APLE program or some loans the government pays the interest while you attend college.

      Below are some websites providing financial aid resources:

      All students should fill out the FAFSA (the Deadline for financial aid for next year is March 2) (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) because the one form can be used to show you qualify for all types of financial aid programs. You can obtain the form our Financial Aid office .

      Mt. SAC's Financial Aid office has frequent workshops walking students through every step in completing the FAFSA. Call the Teacher Preparation Center office for details on the next Financial Aid Workshop, or make an appointment with the Teacher Preparation Center-dedicated financial aid officer, Chris Alvarado at (909) 274-4450.

      Attend an Information Session for more information about scholarships and other financial aid, especially for future teachers.

    • Are there other ways to become a credentialed teacher besides getting a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential?

      One is through paraprofessional Teacher Training, which helps instructional aides get a bachelor’s degree and a credential. Another is the university "blended" or integrated program, which allows future teachers who identify in their freshman year to take courses in which the subject matter is blended with professional preparation. This provides opportunities for multiple, extended field experiences during undergraduate studies. Community college students can transfer into some universities' blended programs. Universities with blended programs also have "traditional" programs, which may be more appropriate for community college transfers as well as many other students who choose not to be in the blended courses.

      Another route to getting a credential is participating in a pre-internship program. These programs provide hard-to-staff school districts with an alternative to Emergency Permits. They allow teacher candidates to teach while completing subject matter and professional preparation. The programs take one to two years plus one to two years of internship. The district provides students with 40 hours of intensive initial preparation prior to assignment of daily teaching responsibilities.

      And an internship program is also available, allowing students with bachelor’s degrees to teach while completing their "professional preparation" or fifth year coursework. Internship programs require students to complete 120 hours of intensive initial preparation prior to taking on daily teaching responsibilities; the internship lasts one to two years. This program is suitable for teacher candidates who may enter to the profession after serving in other careers.

      The most common means to obtain a California Teaching Credential is for students to complete an appropriate bachelor’s degree, meet the CTC's Basic Skills Requirement and Subject Matter Competency requirement, and be admitted to a Postgraduate Program. It allows teach candidates to complete credential requirements through self-contained, graduate level preparation programs.

    • I have an undergraduate degree and/or teaching certificate from another state/country. Can I teach in California?
      Teachers who hold credentials from other states or degrees from other countries can have their transcripts evaluated by one of the following agencies approved by the Commission for Foreign Transcript Evaluation:
      1. Academic & Professional International Evaluations, Inc. (APIE)
        P.O. Box 5787
        Los Alamitos, CA 90721-5787
        (562) 594-6498
      2. Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI)
        P.O. Box 6908
        Beverly Hills, CA 90212
        (310) 275-3530
        (310) 275-3528
      3. American Education Research Corporation (AERC)
        382 E. Rowland St.
        Covina, CA 91723-3154
        (626) 339-4404
        (626) 339-4404
      4. International Research Foundation, Inc.
        P.O. Box 3665
        Culver City, CA 90231-3665
        (310) 258-9451
        (310) 342-7086

      Based on the evaluation, these teachers may take tests like the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test), and RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) or take university coursework to qualify for a California Teaching Credential. Generally, teachers from other states or countries do not need to take courses at Mt. SAC unless they are improving their English skills.

      Teachers who have taught at least three years in other states can apply immediately for a Preliminary Teaching Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

      During the teacher’s first year in a California school, he or she must pass the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test).

    • What are the CLAD and BCLAD options?

      CLAD stands for Cross-cultural, language and academic development. This certificate authorizes individuals to teach English Language Learners. The BCLAD, Bilingual, cross-cultural language and academic development certificate authorizes an individual to teach English Language Learners, as well. The student with a BCLAD degree has specialized in a language other than English.

    • I'm an AB540 student; can I transfer to a four-year college? Will I have to pay out-of-state tuition?

      The steps to take when transferring are as follows:

      1. Fill out an AB540 form
      2. Attach H.S. transcripts to form (students must have attended a California H.S. for a minimum of 3 years to be eligible).

      If a student's AB540 form is approved, out of state fees do not apply. This is the same process that 4-year colleges use. If students have been approved at Mt. SAC, it's very likely that it'll be the same at the 4-year. However, if an AB540 student has not become a legal resident by the end of his/her bachelor's degree, he/she will not be admitted to a teacher credential program, and no district can legally hire this candidate after college.

    • What credentials authorize instruction for Special Education Teachers to teach TK students?

      The appropriate credential for serving in a TK or TK/kindergarten self-contained special education classroom would be the same credential authorized for an individual to serve in a kindergarten self-contained special education classroom.

    • Are teachers who taught TK prior to 2015, then taught an upper grade thereafter “grandfathered” to teach TK without having to meet the minimum additional requirements?

      A current credentialed teacher who is or was assigned to teach TK, or a combination class of kindergarten and TK, on or before July 1, 2015, is “grandfathered” to teach TK without having to meet additional requirements.  For detailed information regarding TK, including requirements, stipends, etc., visit: Transitional Kindergarten FAQs