The CalStateTEACH Program

CalStateTEACH is designed for those who either wish to become a teacher but are unable to attend a traditional, classroom-based teacher education program (Student Teaching Option), or for those who are already teaching without a credential (Employed Teacher Option).

The program's foundation is self-study with online materials, print resources, CD-ROM materials, web-based "class discussions," and on-site coaching. All participating teacher candidates are required to have access to a computer with online capability.

Joey Cruz 4th Grade Teacher

Being able to earn a multiple subject credential sounded good, but the real joy came when I found that the information and resources were on the cutting edge. To this day, teachers and administrators at my site consider me to have firsthand knowledge of what is new and updated because of my involvement with CalStateTEACH.

Participants utilize a course website to access their curriculum materials, activity discussion rooms, important resource materials and technology support. They also interact with their assigned CSU faculty member by e-mail and face-to-face at their school site. They receive on-site support from a site mentor, cooperating or master teacher (Student Teaching Option).

The program is divided into four terms, each containing 10 semester units of integrated coursework. The entire program takes 16 months to complete. CalStateTEACH participants attend five Saturday seminars and one Reading Review Session during the program.

Since there are no campus-based classes, the program is geographically divided into four regions. Candidates are assigned to centers based on the location of the school district in which they teach.

Despite the reliance on technology, participants do not need to be technology wizards to succeed in the program. As long as they are comfortable with e-mail and accessing the Internet, they can easily adapt. The CalStateTEACH help desk provides extensive online and telephone technology assistance to participants and faculty.

Want to know more about CalStateTEACH? Download our "Introduction to CalStateTEACH" Movie, or check out the One-Page Flyer (requires Acrobat Reader from Adobe).

What the Terms Mean

Intern
Program participant with a public school multiple subject teaching contract who has successfully completed the Subject Matter Competency requirement and has filed for the Multiple Subject Intern Credential. For teachers employed in public schools, this status must be achieved before enrolling in term 2.

CSET
California Subject Examination for Teachers.
The CSET measures content area knowledge of K-8 subjects and provides one avenue for meeting the State of California's subject matter competency requirements for a multiple subject credential. All teacher candidates must meet subject matter competency before enrolling in term 2 of the CalStateTEACH program.
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Multiple Subject Classroom
In a multiple subject classroom, the core curricula, including language arts, social studies, math and science, are taught to students in a self-contained classroom. Middle school instructors teaching these four subjects may qualify.

Split Term One Track
By spreading the first term over two 15-week terms, the Split Term One Track option gives prospective teachers more time to study for the CSET. The program then takes 20 months to complete. Additional fees apply.

Saturday Seminar
Saturday seminars offer valuable opportunities for face-to-face learning and staff development training. Participants build an online community and develop strong bonds with faculty and peers.
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Region
CalStateTEACH is divided into four geographical regions: Northeastern and Central California, Coastal California/San Francisco Bay Area, Western/Central LA County and Southern Counties/Eastern LA County. Candidates are assigned to a regional center based on the location of the school in which they teach.
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