Single-Subject Teaching Credential, Track A
and Master of Arts in Education: Teaching

Ten Steps to Becoming a Teacher

Steps to Becoming a Teacher

(Both Tracks A and B)

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 as to what courses to take until the next modular entry occurs.

Step 1: Successful Completion of First and Second Modules of coursework (See credential/master’s program for specific courses.)

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.

Step 2: TPA-Task 1

As part of SPED 505/506 in the first module, candidates must demonstrate mastery of the Teaching Performance Expectation (TPE) through Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) by completing task one. A one-time assessment fee is levied at the beginning of the program.

Step 3: 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 515/516), students are strongly encouraged to take the exam during the second module.

Step 4: 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 CSET, Single-Subject Assessment Examination- all required subtests
  • Or official verification of completion of a CCTC-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 CCTC, to the credential analysts at APU. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the program.

• Completion of SPED 505/506, 515/516, 530, 535, 565/566A, and 565/566B with remediation for B- and Cgrades. Remediation is done through the instructor of record for the course when taken, or through the program director should said instructor be unavailable. Grades of C-to Frequire a retake 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 fol- lowing:
  • 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.
• Track B candidates 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 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 5: Successful completion of Clinical Practice and all coursework in Modules 3 and 4 (See credential/master’s program for specific courses.)

Step 6: Successful completion of additional Credential Courses (See credential/master’s program for specific courses.)

Step 7: Completion of Competency Signature Page booklet

This document is received at initial advising and is to be signed by each instructor of record at the last session of each course. It is a requirement for the Preliminary Credential.

Step 8: 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. (626) 815-5486 or (626) 815-5346.

Step 9: Level II Credential

Those who successfully complete the Preliminary Credential and are employed have 120 days to begin work on their Level II (Professional 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 Level II program for more information.)

NOTE: Those in the credential/master’s programs are allowed to continue with their master’s coursework while participating in their level II program.