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Certification Information
Incoming corps members work with the regional team to ensure that they are ready for the first day of school. Corps members must meet many California mandated requirements in order to teach, and Teach For America guides and supports them through this process. We partner with several credentialing programs, including Loyola Marymount University, University of California – Los Angeles Extension, and REACH. Almost all of our corps members are credentialed through LMU; some attend the other programs based on the school where they are hired.
The California Department of Education created an intern certification program designed specifically for individuals who enter the classroom through a nontraditional path. As such, all K-12 Bay Area corps members will work toward certification through one of our credentialing partners throughout their two years in the corps. Once enrolled in a program, corps members will receive a two-year, non-renewable intern teaching credential. Upon completion of the credentialing program, corps members will receive a five-year preliminary teaching credential.
Common Certification Questions
How is teaching certification structured in this state/region?
Certification can be obtained in one year through the majority of our credentialing partners. It is possible but not required to pursue a Master’s program after earning your preliminary credential. All SPED teachers are required to be enrolled in a two-year, joint credential/Master’s program.
What partner programs are available to Bay Area corps members?
Loyola Marymount University, UCLA Extension, REACH. Most corps members will enroll in LMU for their credential. Corps members teaching Spanish and social science will enroll in ULCA Extension while those hired at certain charter schools will enroll in REACH.
What causes the range in beginning teacher salaries?
Corps members are paid by the school or district in which they teach, not by Teach For America. If you have a Master's degree in education, are placed in a bilingual classroom, or in a math/science classroom, you may receive additional compensation.
What is the difference between up-front and on-going certification costs?
Up-front costs are expenses that must be paid before your first day of teaching. Most corps members pay for these out-of-pocket; however, in some circumstances, financial aid is available. The ongoing costs of certification are estimated for the two-year teaching commitment, before applying any AmeriCorps awards.
What causes the range in on-going certification costs?
Ongoing certification costs range from $4,500-$25,000 spread over the two years. Our partnership with LMU provides corps members with a reduced-cost certification program, but this range reflects the costs before using AmeriCorps awards. The high end of the range applies to corps members teaching SPED, who must enroll in a two year, joint credential/Master’s program. Most Corps members who come to the Bay Area without certification pursue credentialing in their first year and then can enroll in the optional Master’s program.
In order to meet certification requirements, what should corps members do before arriving in the region?
Upon accepting their offers to join Teach For America and the region, corps members will receive more information about their next steps. This usually includes studying for, taking, and passing certification exams such as the CBEST, CSET, and US Constitution Exam.
