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Frequently Asked Questions
Applications/Fees/Financial Aid
Admissions Requirements
Books/Supplies
Technology
Employment
Academic Credits
Subject Matter, CSET and Interns
Accreditation & Benefits
Advisement
Private Schools
CSET Exam
RICA Exam
Clear Credential
Applications/Fees/Financial Aid
How much does CalStateTEACH cost?
Please see our Costs page for information on CalStateTEACH university and materials fees.
Can I get a "hard copy" application to file for the CalStateTEACH program?
Applications for the program are accepted only over the Internet. This website links to the online application.
Is there a fee to apply to CalStateTEACH?
There is a non-refundable $55 application fee. (The application fee may be waived for a limited number of applicants from low-income families for whom payment would be an undue financial hardship. If you believe that you qualify, complete the Application Fee Waiver Request on the online application.)
Do I have to pay the application fee at the same time that I submit the online application over the Internet?
You may pay the fee by credit card online or send a check later. Your application will not be processed until the fee is paid.
If I am not eligible for the program, can I get my application fee back?
The application fee is not refundable.
If I am accepted and then decide to enter the program later, can my application be transferred to the new term?
You will not need to submit new documents, but you must pay the $55 application fee for any term in which you wish to be admitted, whether or not you have been admitted to a previous term.
Do I have to use my social security number on the online application?
It is not required, but your application cannot be processed until it arrives. If you are not comfortable sending it over the Internet, then call your regional center during business hours and provide this information.
Is financial aid available?
Candidates in the CalStateTEACH program are eligible for federal loans and may be eligible for federal Pell Grants or State University Grants. If you are interested in applying for grants or loans, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). See Costs section for more information.
Are there any loan assumption programs available?
There are many opportunities available for teachers and those earning a teaching credential to have their loans assumed or forgiven. See the APLE program or these other Loan Cancellation Resources for more information.
I applied for federal financial aid this year for another college. Do I need to apply again?
You will need to add the new federal school code for the CalStateTEACH regional campus to your FAFSA. Go to the FAFSA website to add the new number.
This year I filed a FAFSA, but I want to start your program next year. Do I need a new FAFSA?
You will need to complete a Renewal FAFSA for the next year.
Admissions Requirements
My grades do not meet the stated program entrance requirements. Am I eligible for admission?
The program may admit candidates (up to 15%) who do not meet the minimum GPA or other requirements, but otherwise show exceptional promise. You may be eligible for this special admission status if there are compensating factors in your professional background. Passage of the CSET is a strong indicator of success, so this will help your application significantly. If you do have a GPA below the minimum, you must submit a Petition for Exceptional Admission.
My CBEST results will not be available until a month before the program begins. Can I apply?
For candidates in the Employed Teacher Option, your passing scores must arrive early enough that you can complete the interview process before the late application deadline. If you have not passed CBEST, then you probably do not have a teaching job either. Attempting to obtain a teaching position and enter an intern credentialing program without already having passed will be extremely difficult. Candidates in the Student Teaching Option must show proof of having taken CBEST to apply.
I can be admitted as long as I file my application before the late deadline, right?
The application AND all of your supporting documents must arrive before the deadline.
Can I apply before I finish my bachelor's degree? Can I start the program if I will complete my bachelor's degree right after the program begins?
You can apply for admission before you complete your degree. However, you must submit an official transcript indicating you have senior standing. Once you complete the degree, you'll need to submit another official transcript. You will enter in the Student Teaching Option, as you will not be able to take a paid teaching position in a public school until you have completed your degree.
All of my college work is shown on the transcript for the university from which I graduated. Do I need the other transcripts?
Yes. In order to complete the admission process you must still submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
Can I live anywhere and participate in CalStateTEACH?
You may live anywhere in the state of California. Candidates are assigned to regional centers. You may not participate if you live outside California.
I just moved to California. Do I have to pay nonresident tuition?
According to California Education Code, Section 68017, "A 'resident' is a student who has residence, pursuant to...Section 68060...in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date." If you have lived in California for less than one year prior to entering the CalStateTEACH program, you must pay nonresident tuition. Once you have lived in California for more than one year, you are considered a "resident" and are exempt from nonresident tuition.
Is it important to find a teaching job to be in CalStateTEACH?
The CalStateTEACH curriculum is integrated with in-class activities, so access to a classroom is an essential component of the program. If you are not already teaching or plan to teach as an Intern, you can enroll in the Student Teaching Option.
I teach 3 1/2 hours per day in the same classroom. Can I participate in CalStateTEACH?
You are eligible for admission if you teach in a multiple subject setting at least 15 to18 hours per week in the same classroom.
I am a substitute teacher with a 30-day permit. Can I participate?
Short-term substitutes cannot participate in the Employed Teacher Option. CalStateTEACH integrates the theory of teaching with practice in the classroom on a daily basis. In order to complete the assignments, you must have sustained contact over time with the same students. When you are a sub, there is no continuity and no guarantee that you will be in the same classroom for the extended periods of time required to successfully complete activities and assignments related to students' learning and growth.
In some cases, subbing on a limited basis can be completed in addition to fulfilling your field work assignment in terms one and two if you are in the Student Teaching Option. However, the plan must be reviewed by your Regional Director and will be approved on an individual basis. Subbing alone does not fulfill the field work component which must be completed in the same classroom over an extended period of time.
I am teaching as a long-term substitute for one semester. Can I be admitted?
Assuming that you meet all other requirements, you may enter CalStateTEACH if you have been promised at least one semester as a long-term substitute. Remember, to be a long-term substitute in a public school, a teacher would be required to be employed on an emergency long-term permit. A substitute position in which the teacher is employed on a 30-day sub permit would not qualify.
I am teaching multiple subjects to a class of special education children. Am I eligible for admission?
No. CalStateTEACH requires that you teach in a regular classroom.
I teach a class that is half regular education students and half mainstreamed special education students. Can I apply?
As long as the setting in which you teach requires a multiple subject credential, you will qualify. Your Regional Director and faculty will review your particular situation to make a determination.
I work for a private council that teaches children at home. Can I participate in CalStateTEACH?
No. You must teach in a school setting.
I teach kindergarten children in an informal extended day setting for a public school. Can I be considered?
You will not qualify unless the position requires a multiple subject credential. Informal education in an after-hours program is not acceptable.
I am teaching in a middle school. I teach history/social science in the morning and math/science in the afternoon. Am I eligible?
As long as you are teaching all of these subjects in a self-contained classroom, in a position that requires a multiple subject credential, you may be considered. If you are teaching only two of the four core curriculum subjects, you may participate if you will be allowed to teach the other subjects as needed to meet the requirements of the program. We will need a letter from your principal verifying the arrangements.
Can I still be admitted if I don't have a job yet?
Yes. You may apply and be admitted conditionally. You must show proof of employment as a multiple subject teacher before the program begins or enroll in the Student Teaching Option. If employment is the only criteria you lack, we strongly recommend that you submit your application and other paperwork as soon as possible. Taking that step and being admitted conditionally will look favorable to your prospective employers. It will also help you progress quickly through the process once you obtain employment. Learn more about the Student Teaching Option.
Is there anything I should do before the program begins?
Prerequisite Coursework and CSET Preparation
If you have not yet passed the CSET, you are not considered subject matter qualified. Your best preparation for the program is to prepare and pass the CSET. Remember, to be officially admitted into the program, you must be CSET qualified by term two or you cannot continue until you have successfully passed the CSET.
CalStateTEACH does offer a prerequisite 30-week split term one course (taken over two 15-week terms) for all individuals who are not CSET qualified. This allows you to complete term one and study for the CSET at the same time. Your study for the CSET is supported by your enrollment in our prerequisite CSET preparation course which provides you the online support needed to successfully pass the CSET. Remember you will not be officially admitted into the program until you have passed the CSET examination and you must pass CSET to enroll in term two of the program. If you are planning to enroll in CalStateTEACH for the fall term, you may be eligible to join an on-line CSET preparation course during the summer.
U.S. Constitution
You may also want to complete the US Constitution requirement, if you have not yet done so. This can be done by either completing a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the US Constitution, or by passing an examination at a regionally-accredited college or university.
Books/Supplies
Where do I get my textbooks?
All materials, such as books, CDs, and DVDs, are provided to program candidates at the beginning of the program. Since the cost for instructional materials is difficult to pay all at once, it is included in the fees for all four terms.
Technology
Do I need to have a computer to participate in CalStateTEACH?
Since the support system for this program is web-based, you must have ready access to either a Macintosh or PC computer that is connected to the Internet. If you are comfortable sending e-mail, you will be able to operate successfully in this environment. See Technical Requirements for information concerning the specifications for your computer and related equipment.
What if my computer skills are limited?
You will need to have a general understanding of computer use, word processing, and the Internet. However you do not need to be a computer wizard. Since even the most sophisticated computer users occasionally experience obstacles or problems, CalStateTEACH maintains a Technology Help Desk accessible by telephone or email. The Help Desk will assist you with any problems you may have with the CalStateTEACH course website or the software required in the program.
Employment
Under what circumstances can a school district hire an emergency teacher?
Public school districts are authorized to hire teachers without credentials when no credentialed teachers are available. At the minimum, emergency teachers must have a bachelor's degree, have met emergency credential subject matter requirements and have a passing score on the CBEST.
How do I know which districts are most likely to employ emergency teachers?
The least likely districts to hire non-credentialed teachers are those in areas where credentialed teachers often would like to live. Examples include suburban or rural communities where the economy is flourishing. Districts in large, urban, economically depressed areas are the most likely to have difficulty finding credentialed teachers. Extremely remote communities also have this problem.
Is there anything I can do to enhance my chances of employment as a teacher without a credential?
Passing the CSET will assist you in your job search. School districts prefer to hire someone with this background because it means that the candidate has a much greater probability of completing the credential.
I would like to enroll in CalStateTEACH, but I want to work in the school district in my community. What if they won't hire me?
Remember the saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket?" If you limit yourself to just one district, you may seriously hamper your plan to obtain a teaching credential. Broaden your search. If there are no school districts in your entire geographic area that employ emergency teachers, you may be unable to participate as an employed teacher. If you are highly motivated to enter this program, you can either relocate to an area of high teacher demand, commute a greater distance to work, consider teaching in a private school or enter in the Student Teaching Option.
What effect does an economic downturn have on the availability of jobs for teachers without credentials?
The economy has a significant effect. When times are good, some teachers leave the profession to earn more money elsewhere. More quit to become full-time nurturers while their spouses earn more money in a stronger economy. Teachers may retire at an earlier age. A weak economy improves retention of credentialed teachers as the fixed income and tenure of the teaching profession becomes more attractive. Older teachers may delay retirement as they seek the security of a higher retirement income. This means fewer jobs for teachers without credentials.
Will there really be teaching jobs in the future?
Click here to view this message from Jack O'Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction regarding five factors that will create huge teacher shortages in the state of California.
Academic Credits
How many academic credits do I earn?
The CalStateTEACH curriculum is completely integrated and does not consist of separate courses. Upon successful completion of the program, you will have earned 40-46 semester units of credit from the California State University. Twenty of these units are for intern or student teaching, observation, and application in the classroom. Twenty units are devoted to the regular multiple subject credential coursework, plus the infusion of inclusions and technology curriculum.
If I have already taken some courses toward my credential, can I transfer them to CalStateTEACH?
Because of the unique integrated structure of CalStateTEACH, to become fully prepared as a Multiple Subject teacher, you will need to complete the program in its entirety. Although it will not be possible to transfer units from other programs, your knowledge from prior coursework will make it much easier to meet some CalStateTEACH requirements.
Subject Matter, CSET and Interns
What does it mean to be "subject matter qualified?"
Persons seeking a California Multiple Subject Credential must demonstrate their knowledge of the subjects commonly taught in an elementary classroom. This demonstration of subject matter knowledge is met by an examination (the California Subject Examination for Teachers--CSET). Successful passage of the CSET must occur before you will be allowed to begin term two. This means you must take and pass the CSET prior to or during the first term.
What are my chances of passing CSET?
The CSET exam passing data indicate that 60% of test takers pass the CSET. However, CalStateTEACH candidates who successfully complete the preparation course for the CSET have an 85%+ pass rate.
What services are available to help me pass CSET?
If you have not yet passed the CSET, you are not considered subject matter qualified. You must enroll in our prerequisite courses: the 30-week split term one and CSET preparation course. You may receive a free study guide to assist you in preparing for the CSET. Our Subject Matter Coordinator will work with you to assess your strengths and weaknesses, provide test content information, and general test preparation assistance. Your active participation in the CSET preparation course will be instrumental in passing the CSET. The course is offered on a credit/no credit basis during term 1A and if necessary term 1B. This provides you with the time needed to complete your regular CalStateTEACH assignments and study for the CSET. With this prerequisite track, it will take you longer overall to complete the program.
REMEMBER: You are not officially admitted into the program until you have passed the CSET examination, and you must pass the CSET to enroll in term two of the program or you cannot continue. If you pass the CSET prior to the start of term 1B, you will not need to retake the CSET preparation course.
Are there special requirements for the CalStateTEACH Intern Credential?
In addition to being a public school teacher and having a passing score on the CSET, you must also meet the U.S. Constitution requirement. If you are a graduate of a CSU campus, you have probably already met this requirement. If you graduated elsewhere, you may have met the requirement if you have evidence of satisfactory completion of two semester units of work on the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution. An introductory course in Political Science taken at a California university or community college should meet the requirement. If you have not completed the coursework, passage of the U.S. Constitution Test will be necessary. This exam is available through extended education programs on CSU campuses or from community colleges. Check with your Regional Center for more information.
Are there any benefits to having a CalStateTEACH Intern Credential?
Yes! Most school districts have separate pay schedules for emergency and credentialed teachers. An intern credential places a teacher on the credentialed teachers pay schedule, resulting in a pay raise in most cases. A State grant pays a stipend to each public school Intern's site mentor in each term for services provided in support of your candidacy. Teachers with an Intern credential also earn credit towards tenure.
Accreditation & Benefits
How can I be sure that CalStateTEACH is a good credential program?
High standards for teacher preparation are a top priority for the California State University. This program meets the same accreditation standards and review as all other programs in California. It is accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and approved by the CCTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing). CalStateTEACH was developed by over thirty of the top teacher-education and subject-matter faculty in the CSU. In addition, the program has been guided by consultation with and review by many other CSU professors and K-12 colleagues. The program has also received high marks from graduates and principals who hire CalStateTEACH teacher candidates.
Will the program help me become a better teacher?
Yes! Because teachers enter the classroom with a good foundation in subject matter and content, the focus of this program is on helping you teach the content you already know. You will learn successful strategies for teaching and engaging students in reading, mathematics, social studies, science, and other subjects taught in elementary schools. You will learn how to manage students in the classroom; how to build partnerships with parents; how to accommodate wide-ranging ability levels within the same classroom; how to assist students whose primary language is not English; and how to face the other challenges that emerge in the elementary school classroom. Many program assignments integrate teaching theory with hands-on experience in the classroom. In addition, you will be observed and evaluated by your assigned faculty during personal visits to the school in each term.
Advisement
If I'm enrolled and start having problems in my studies, to whom do I turn for help?
Your main source of support is your one-on-one connection with your assigned CSU faculty member who will be available at your school site or Regional Center, or by phone, fax, or e-mail. Additionally, you will be connected electronically to the members of your teacher cohort who can serve as a valuable resource and support network. If you need assistance beyond these two resources, you can call or email your Regional Center.
What if I need to drop out of the program for a period of time?
If you are in good standing and need to stop out, you can request a leave of absence from the program. CalStateTEACH students may be granted leaves of absence, up to two consecutive semesters. However, a leave granted by the university does not exempt the credential candidate from new requirements imposed by the State of California. The intent of the policy is to permit a student to suspend his or her academic work and later resume studies with a minimum of procedural difficulty. A student who is approved for a planned leave will be considered a continuing CalStateTEACH student upon re-enrollment. Grounds for approval of a leave include the following: illness or disability or similar personal circumstances including pregnancy; activities which enhance a student's professional career objectives; active duty in the armed forces; and other reasons at the discretion of the Regional Director.
Private Schools
Do you accept private school teachers?
A private school teacher may participate in CalStateTEACH. You must still pass CSET in term one, but you do not apply for the CalStateTEACH Intern Credential at any time during the program.
Are there special requirements for private school teachers?
California generally requires that teacher candidates obtain substantial experience teaching in a public school to qualify for a credential. To be recommended for a credential by a university, all private school teachers are required to complete a substantive experience in a public school.
Visit www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl834.html to review the Commission on Teacher Credentialing regulations concerning private school teaching experience requirements and the direct application process. This requirement is normally met by spending a five-week summer session as a student teacher in a public school. You must be enrolled in CalStateTEACH to participate.
Why are private school teachers required to obtain a Certificate of Clearance?
All CalStateTEACH candidates must have either a valid emergency permit, intern credential or a Certificate of Clearance when they start the program. This is a requirement for all California credential programs. Since private school teachers do not need permits or certificates to teach, they must have the Certificate of Clearance. You will receive information about the application process after you are admitted. The process requires that you be fingerprinted by Livescan process and return all complete forms to your Regional Center. Private school teachers who have a valid emergency 30-day permit to teach as a substitute in a public school are exempted from this requirement. The private school fingerprinting process does not satisfy this requirement.
Can the three-year private school teaching requirement be waived with experience from another region of the country?
Yes, but it must be acquired at a school with regional accreditation. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. The Western region covers schools in California, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa. Other regions are:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
To reach the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, go to http://www.css-msa.org/. From this website, there is a link to all other accrediting associations.
If my private school experience meets the requirements, do I have to have three years before starting CalStateTEACH?
The three years must be acquired before you apply for a credential. Since CalStateTEACH requires a minimum of 16 months, you should already have at least 20 months experience when you begin term one.
I taught one year in a public school and two years in a private school. Both schools were accredited. Can I qualify?
No. You must have three years in a private school. Public school teaching does not qualify. However, public school teaching that was part of a multiple subject credentialing program that was supervised by university faculty may qualify to meet the public school requirement.
I heard that a private school teacher with six years of experience can get a credential without completing a teacher credentialing program. Is this true?
Senate Bill 57 (Scott), Education Code 44259.2 (a) makes such a provision to teachers who meet specific qualifications. For more details, read the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's coded correspondence. Please be aware that if you choose this option the CCTC requires you to apply directly to the Commission for your credential and not to be recommended by CalStateTEACH.
CSET Exam
What is the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)?
All potential multiple subject teachers will be required to demonstrate subject matter competency by passing the Multiple Subject CSET examination which is divided into three sections: Science and Mathematics; Language Arts and History; Fine Arts, Physical Education and Human Development. See the CSET website for more information. Multiple subject candidates can use this CSET examination along with the CSET Writing Skills examination to demonstrate basic skills competence as well.
Does CalStateTEACH provide support to study for the CSET?
CalStateTEACH faculty and staff are committed to helping you pass the CSET, so that you can progress successfully through the program. For those candidates that are not CSET qualified, your first term will be split over two terms (15-weeks per term) and will include a 3-unit prerequisite CSET preparation course. In the prerequisite 30-week split term one you will be completing specified components of the term one curriculum and studying for the CSET exam during the first 15-week term (term 1A). The remainder of term one is then completed during the second term (term 1B) in addition to the 3-unit prerequisite CSET preparation course. This provides you with the time needed to complete your regular assignments and study for the CSET.
In the prerequisite 30-week split term one, you will earn 7 semester units for the standard CalStateTEACH coursework and 3 semester units of CSET preparation coursework for a total of 10 semester units in the first term (term 1A) and 3 semester units of standard CalStateTEACH coursework and 3 semester units of CSET preparation coursework for a total of 6 semester units in the second term (term 1B). With this prerequisite track, it will take you longer overall to complete the program.
REMEMBER: To be officially admitted into the program, you must be CSET qualified by term two or you cannot continue on to term two of the CalStateTEACH program.
Does it cost more for the split term (described above)?
Yes, candidates in the prerequisite 30-week split term one will pay for the additional instruction provided over the longer time period. Please see our Costs page for information on CalStateTEACH university and materials fees.
How can I register?
You can register for CSET via the Internet at www.cset.nesinc.com. Information about completing the registration process is available on the website. You can also obtain a printed registration bulletin, which contains registration information and the registration form.
Where can I obtain a Registration CSET Bulletin?
Registration bulletins include comprehensive information about the CSET, including all forms necessary to register, change, add, drop test and to request refunds. The bulletin is available online at www.cset.nesinc.com, and can also be obtained from California institutions with teacher preparation programs or from:
CSET/SSAT
P.O. Box 340789
Sacramento, CA 95834-0789
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(916) 928-4003
9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Pacific Time, Monday-Friday
TDD: (916) 928-9191 |
RICA Exam
What is RICA?
California requires that candidates for the Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). The purpose of the RICA is to ensure that teachers possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students. Candidates should know that the reading instruction provided by CalStateTEACH is essential in passing RICA. The test is given toward the end of term four. Visit www.rica.nesinc.com or www.ctc.ca.gov for more information.
Clear Credential
What other requirements must be met to get my credential after I complete the program?
For detailed information regarding the State of California requirements concerning your credential after completing the program, please download the following coded correspondence from the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC): www.ctc.ca.gov/notices/coded/030017/030017.pdf.
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