Bay Area corps members are required by state and federal legislation to enroll in a California teaching credential program at the start of their two-year commitment. Most current corps members enroll in Alliant International University’s Early Completion Option program, a nine-month program that provides additional professional development and support and leads to a Preliminary Teaching credential.
After earning a Preliminary Teaching Credential, new teachers in California must participate in a two-year Beginning Teacher Support Assistance program to earn their Clear Teaching Credential (life-long credential). Special education teachers must complete the two-year master’s program at Alliant, an option offered to all corps members.
In order to enroll in these mandated programs, corps members must first pass three tests: the CSET (a subject matter competency), the CBEST (a basic skills requirement), and a U.S. Constitution test. Corps members who choose to enroll in the Early Completion Option area also required to take the Teaching Foundations Exam, an entrance exam designed to provide evidence of foundational teaching knowledge. Applicants assigned to the Bay Area will receive more information about certification, university programs, and testing upon acceptance to Teach For America.
| Costs to Begin Teaching |
|---|
| Testing: $200-300 |
| Processing: $80-135 |
| University/Credential Program Enrollment Cost: $ 25-55 |
| Costs to Maintain Intern Credential |
|---|
| $5,000-10,000 (depending on program) |
Currently corps members are able to defer tuition payments until the end of the year, when they can pay using their AmeriCorps education awards. In addition, corps members are eligible for a number of grants offered by the State of California and other private organizations. Currently these grants – in addition to the AmeriCorps education award – cover most costs associated with the credentialing program.
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