 Program
History |
The Alternative
Certification Program began in 1995 as a partnership between the West
Contra Costa Unified School District and California State University East Bay. It was conceived and implemented to meet the need for new
teachers across the nation and especially in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Since then, the program has prepared hundreds of candidates
for a California preliminary teaching credential in either Multiple
Subject or Single Subject. These credentials are
granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and are
accepted throughout California and in those states that recognize
California teaching credentials.
|
| Program
Goals |
The primary goal of the
partnership program is simultaneously to prepare (CSUEB) and to employ (WCCUSD)
those individuals who seek a California teaching credential. The secondary
goal of the program is to recruit into the teaching profession
underrepresented minorities and math and science candidates.
|
| Benefits
of the Program |
- Successful applicants are given the opportunity to
work as fully employed teachers earning a first-year teacher’s
salary with a complete benefits package.
- University coursework is convenient. Most classes are
held within the District and at times appropriate for full-time
teachers.
- Coursework is integrated with required programs
provided by the District. Both are facilitated by a cadre of
university professors and exemplary district teachers, a unique blend
of theorists and practitioners.
- Interns are supported by a full-time District Team Leader who guides participants through all phases of the program from application to final certification.
|
| Supervision
and Support |
All interns are assigned a university
supervisor whose duty it is to observe and evaluate throughout the school
year. Many of these supervisors are retired teachers from the WCCUSD,
hired by CSUEB to fulfill this responsibility. Additionally, each intern is
assigned an intern support teacher who provides 40 hours of support
through the school year. All intern support teachers are trained and
supported themselves by the Team Leaders. All support providers work
closely together to ensure the intern a successful induction into the
teaching profession.
|
| Schedule
of Classes |
| The Alternative Certification Program as
it is offered by the WCCUSD/CSUEB Partnership is a four-quarter student
teaching program which begins with summer classes in mid-June, continues
through the school year, and is completed by the following
summer. All classes during the
school year meet two nights a week and five Saturdays.
|
| The
University |
| The mission of the California State
University East Bay Department of Teacher Education is to prepare teachers
who are committed to improving school practices for California’s diverse
student populations and who can model such practices in their own
classrooms. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has
recognized CSUEB for its team approach and year-long supervised field
experience for credential candidates, aspects which are evident in the
WCCUSD/CSUEB partnership.
|
| The
District |
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is a diverse urban district which includes the cities of Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole, and Hercules. Located in Contra Costa County along the I-80 Corridor, the district is 25 minutes from San Francisco and a few hours from Monterey, Yosemite National Park and the Sierras.
With an enrollment of 31,000 multi-ethnic
K-12 students, the District operates 40 elementary schools,
seven middle schools, six comprehensive high schools, and
several alternative education sites. |
| Admission
Requirements |
- Attendance at Admission Advisement Session
- Bachelor's Degree
- CBEST
- Proof of Subject Matter Competence
- Verification of knowledge of U.S. Constitution
- Letters of Recommendation verifying 45 hours of classroom or classroom-like experience
- Admissions Interview
- Alternative Certification Program Application sent to:
Alternative Certification Program
Vista Hills Education Center
2625 Barnard Street, Richmond
San Pablo, CA 94806 * (510) 307-4570 |
| How
to Apply |
- Contact the ACP office to request an information packet.
- Attend an Admission Advising Session in the WCCUSD.
- Complete application packet
by April 1.
- Provide evidence of prerequisites.
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