Online Programs

Steps to Becoming a Teacher

The cohort model begins with entry in Module 1 in Fall I or Spring I. Students who enter at other times of the year will be advised regarding course enrollment prior to the next modular entry date.

STEP 1: Successful completion of first and second modules of coursework

Note: Candidates admitted with provisional program acceptance must complete the first 12 units with a B (3.0) or better in each course to remain eligible for continued enrollment at the university. CBEST must be passed before moving to Module 2.

STEP 2: RICA
Special education candidates are required to pass the reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) before applying for a Preliminary Credential. As the course to prepare for this exam is taken in the first module (SPED 574), students are strongly encouraged to take the exam during the second module.

STEP 3: Successful completion of Clinical Practice and all coursework in Modules 3 and 4

STEP 4: TPE
Teacher Performance Expectation will be met through SPED courses.

STEP 5: Clearance to advance to Clinical Practice (Student/Contract Teaching)
The Application for Clinical Practice Clearance must be submitted to the Office of Student Services (626) 815-5353 or (626) 815-5343 by October 1, for the spring semester, or by April 1, for the fall semester with the supporting documentation listed below:

• Subject-Matter Competency according to state and program guidelines by:
  • Proof of passage of California Subject Examinations for Teacher (CSET): Multiple-Subject, all three subtests
  Or if teaching in a junior or senior high school setting:
  • Proof of passage of Single-Subject Assessment Examination, all required subtests
  • Or
  • Official verification of completion of a CTC-approved subject-matter program signed by the credential analyst at the institute of higher education in which the courses were successfully completed
• U.S. Constitution requirement (passage by test or by verified coursework)
• Verification of passage of CBEST
• Receipt of results of Certificate of Clearance or a copy of a current Emergency Permit
• Verification of negative results from a Mantoux TB skin test

• Continuing positive disposition characteristics including emotional stability, interpersonal relations, evidence of mental and physical health, evidence of meeting ongoing “character” standards, and other requirements listed on the application

  Note: Candidates must report any changes or issues in “character” standings, including unresolved issues with the law and/or the CTC, to the credential analysts at APU. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the program.

• Completion of all module 1–4 coursework with remediation for B- grades. Remediation is done through the program director. Grades below B- require a repeat of the course by permission of the program director.

  Note: Remediation does not change the course grade but shows competency and allows the teacher candidate to proceed.

• Candidates must attend a mandatory meeting as directed by the department before Clinical Practice begins.
• Clinical Practice is met through one of the following:
  • Traditional candidate teaching (student teaching) in a master teacher’s classroom during the third and fourth modules (18 weeks, full-time, voluntary work)

  • Contracted teaching assignment in the candidate’s own classroom

    If Track B – must also include full-time public school contract and letter on school letterhead fully describing the assignment for consideration (must obtain prior approval from the program director).

    Note: Candidates with an approved non-WASC teaching position must complete an extra 50 hours (four to six weeks) of Clinical Practice in a WASC setting as placed by the Office of Student Services. (626) 815-5353 or (626) 815-5343

STEP 6: Completion of transition plan and CPR (infant, child, and adult).

STEP 7: Apply for Credential.
Candidates may apply for the Preliminary Credential upon completion of all the above criteria. The Preliminary Credential is valid for five years and nonrenewable. Contact the Credential Analysts’ Office for application materials at the end of the fourth module. Contact (626) 815-5346 for more information.

STEP 8: Professional Clear Credential
Those who successfully complete the Preliminary Credential and are employed, have 120 days to begin work on their Clear Credential. A Change of Program must be submitted in order to be advised and allowed to register for the coursework involved. An Individual Induction Plan is also developed. (See Clear Credential program for more information.)