High Quality Teachers Preparations Projects

Frequently asked Questions

1. Q. I heard about this program from the TV station in New York. I was a former teacher in my home country for 7 years. Can I apply?

A. You must be a legal California resident for at least one year to apply into our program.

2. Q: I have a B.A. in Biology and an M.A. in Education from my country. I would like to get a teaching credential to teach in California. What do I do?

A. First, you must get your Degrees and transcripts evaluated by an approved agency ( listed on our website ). If they certify that you have an equivalent U.S. Bachelor Degree, then you could apply to our program.

3. Q. Do we have to take classes only at CSU Long Beach?

A. Yes. We prefer that you attend CSU Long Beach since we will provide monthly advisement meetings and other support services on campus.

4. Q: Can I join the program if I can only take one or two classes each semester because I have to keep my job?

A. The program is obligated to have participants complete a credential program in a 2-year time period or less. Therefore, we can only accept candidates who are able to take at least 4 courses (12 units) during the Fall and Spring semesters and at least 2 courses during the summer. However, if candidates receive or qualify for financial aid - there is some flexibility regarding the minimum units that must be taken each semester.

5. Q: If I have to attend school full-time, I cannot work. Does the program provide financial support for living expenses?

A. The program covers only course tuition and some materials. We encourage all candidates to apply for financial aid so that they could attend school full time and complete the program in the shortest amount of time possible.

6. Q: I have a teaching credential from my country and taught for many years. Can I have some of the teaching methodology courses waived?

A. We recommend that all candidates complete the professional teaching preparation by taking all the methodology courses in the program. We believe that you will acquire instructional approach and strategies that will make you more effective to students in the California public schools, many of them need English language development.

7. Q. I have a B.S. in Math and worked as an accountant for many years. How long do I need to go to school to get a teaching Degree to teach Math?

A. The length of time you need is depending on the number of units you are required to take to complete the subject matter preparation in Math. However, if you could pass the subject matter test CSET in Math, you can finish the program in a much shorter time.

8. Q. Are there many tests to take to complete a teaching credential program?

A. It all depends on the type of credential program you select and your prior Educational experience. One test that everyone must take is the CBEST - California Basic Educational Skills Test . You must pass this test to be officially accepted into our project.

9. Q. What are some other tests that we have to take?

A. If you have a Bachelor Degree in a non-teaching field, you will have to prove your subject matter knowledge. You can do this by coursework - which requires many courses, or by exam - CSET - the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. If you plan to teach at elementary level (K-6th Grade,) you will need to take the RICA - Reading Instruction Competency Assessment. We will have workshops and study sessions to help you prepare for these tests. However, you must also study on your own.

10. Q. After completion of the program, I understand that I am obligated to teach for at least three years in assigned schools. Does this mean teaching full time in assigned schools?

A. Yes, you are obligated to teach full time at least three years in an assigned school.

11. Q: Are we assigned to a high school or elementary school?

A. It depends on the credential program that you select. You have the option of becoming an elementary school teacher (Multiple Subject Credential) where you teach all basic subjects (reading, writing, math, social studies, P.E., etc.) or a high school teacher (Single subject credential) where you teach only one subject.

12. Q: Does the program accept only people who want to teach math or science subjects only?

A. Although Math and Science are our top priority, you may choose to teach different subjects at the high school level depending on your interest, passion, and professional knowledge/experience.

13. Q: Are assigned schools located in Los Angeles and Orange Counties only?

A. Yes - most likely in certain high minority districts in Orange County and Los Angeles areas, but possibly in other areas with concentrations of minority students in low socioeconomic communities.

14. Q. Are we required to work only with minority students?

A. The funding legislation requires that candidates graduate from this program will serve at least 3 years in areas where they are most needed - schools with high percentage of language minority students in low income areas. These students deserve well-prepared and highly dedicated teachers who believe they can succeed.

15. Q: One of the requirements would be to demonstrate high academic achievement based on examination of current and past transcripts, certificates, and Degrees. Does this mean that I need to get at least a 3.0 GPA in my college Degree?

A. To be admitted into the credential program (a graduate program) you need to have a GPA of 2.75, or above, and maintain it.

16. Q: Why do we have to apply for financial aid every academic year?

A.The maximum financial support that our program can provide is four enrollment periods' tuition. This means that all candidates must take a full course load each semester and be able to complete the program within two years. Financial aid provides candidates time flexibility. With financial aid, candidates may continue to receive support beyond the two years limit. Financial aid also enables our project to provide financial support to the larger number of candidates who wish to become teachers. We really appreciate your support in this matter.

17. Q: If I am not eligible for financial aid this year, why do I have to re-apply every academic year when there is no change in our income status?

A.Financial aid budget and qualifying criteria vary from year to year. Not being qualified this year does not mean automatically being disqualified the following year.

18. Q: If I can finish the program in two years or less, why do I have to apply for financial aid?

A.We hope that all of our candidates will be able to complete the credential program and find appropriate employment in a timely fashion. We, however, intend to support dedicated candidates who may take longer than two years to complete the teaching credential program. Additional financial resources enable our project to provide financial support to the larger number of candidates who wish to become teachers. We really appreciate your support in this matter..

19. Q: During the commitment to teach at least three years in assigned schools, what is the approximate salary during this stage?

A. Currently, the starting salary for beginning teachers is $35k to $45k - however, you must take into consideration that a teacher's total working days average is 187-190 days/365 - The more units you accumulate over your B.A., the higher salary range you will earn.