Teacher Induction Program (TIP)
Joining TIP (Eligibility Requirements)
Are you ready to grow as an educator in a supportive, community-driven environment? The TIP is designed to help you thrive as a teacher while earning your Clear Credential over two years of hands-on professional development. Here's why you should join:
- Ongoing Support: You'll be paired with a mentor to guide you through your teaching journey, providing personalized feedback and advice.
- Professional Growth: Engage in inquiry-based learning that is tailored to your teaching style and focuses on self-selected aspects of your practice.
- Build Your Network: Connect with a diverse community of educators who are committed to helping each other grow, share ideas, and improve classroom outcomes.
Who is Eligible?
Part I
- Are you employed by West Contra Costa Unified School District?
If yes, move on to Part II!
Part II
- Do you currently hold a Preliminary Credential in one of the following areas?
- Multiple Subject
- Single Subject
- Education Specialist
- Are you the teacher of record for at least one class in your credential area?
If you answered Yes to both questions, you're eligible to join TIP!
Why Join TIP?
- Personalized Development: Focus on areas of teaching that matter most to you. The TIP is inquiry-based, so your professional growth is centered around your unique needs.
- Clear Your Credential: Successfully complete the program and earn your Clear Credential, opening doors for career advancement and recognition as a highly qualified teacher.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Benefit from personalized mentorship and join a supportive cohort of fellow educators committed to excellence.
If you’re looking for a program that truly invests in your development,
TIP is the perfect opportunity for you!
Next Steps:
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, enroll now!
- If you have questions or need more information, reach out via our TIP Inquiry/Request Form – we’re happy to assist!
Join a community where your growth as an educator is supported every step of the way.Together, we make a difference.
TIP Frequently Asked Questions
Induction is designed to support you in building on what you learned in your preparation program. It will challenge you to advance your practice and help your students thrive. Through the supportive context of Induction, you have the opportunity to continue on your journey toward becoming a highly skilled and reflective educator.
- What are the Completion Requirements?
- How Do I Enroll In TIP?
- Year 1: Induction At-A-Glance
- Year 2: Induction At-A-Glance
- What are Support Providers?
- How Do I Complete Induction?
- What is the Induction Road Trip?
- What is the Continuum of Teaching Practice that guides TIP?
- Request my TIP Records
- How do I file a grievance about TIP or a Support Provider?
- What happens in the unlikely event that the TIP program closes?
What are the Completion Requirements?
-
Meetings and Professional Development
- Induction Orientation (Year 1 only)
- ILP Workshop
- ILP Triad Meeting with your Support Provider and Site Administrator
- Weekly Support and Collaboration Meetings with your Support Provider
-
Inquiry
- Individual Learning Plan
- Self-assess teaching practice using the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs)
- Create SMART goals and action plans around the CSTPs
- Conduct three cycles of inquiry
- Reflect on moments of growth and learning and how it impacts your teaching practice
- Share ILP-related evidence that shows professional growth in the CSTPs
- Induction Program Logs
- Track professional development activities
- Submit to TIP Office twice a year (via Google Classroom)
- Individual Learning Plan
-
Online Induction Program Evaluation
- Mid-Year and End-of-Year Surveys
How Do I Enroll In TIP?
Year 1: Induction At-A-Glance
👉🏽 👉🏽 Click here to download the Induction at-a-Glance flyer
August – September
• Enroll in Teacher Induction Program
• Attend TIP Orientation
September – November
• Match with a TIP Support Provider
• Attend TIP ILP Workshop
• Assess Your Practice on Continuum of
Teaching Practice
• Develop Your ILP
• ILP Triad Meeting with Support Provider
and Site Administrator
November - January
• PTRA Inquiry Cycle #1
• POD Inquiry Cycle (or in Feb.-Apr.)
• Review ILP – Reflect on Moments of Growth & Learning and Evidence Collection
January
• Mid-Year Program Survey
• Reassess Your Practice and Share Updated ILP
February
• Winter ILP Review and Feedback
February – April
• PTRA Inquiry Cycle #2
• POD Inquiry Cycle (or in Nov.-Jan.)
• Review ILP – Reflect on Moments of
Growth & Learning and Evidence Collection
May
• Reassess Your Practice
• End-of-Year Reflection
• Spring ILP Review and Feedback
• End-of-Year Program Survey
Year 2: Induction At-A-Glance
👉🏽 👉🏽 Click here to download the Induction at-a-Glance flyer
August – September
• Reconnect with TIP Support Provider or match with a new TIP Support Provider
October - November
• Attend TIP ILP Workshop
• Assess Your Practice on Continuum of Teaching Practice
• Develop Your ILP
• ILP Triad Meeting with Support Provider and Site Administrator
November - January
• PTRA Inquiry Cycle #1
• POD Inquiry Cycle (or in Feb.-Apr.)
• Review ILP– Reflect on Moments of Growth & Learning and Evidence Collection
January
• Mid-Year Program Survey
• Reassess Your Practice and Share Updated ILP
February
• Winter ILP Review and Feedback
February – April
• PTRA Inquiry Cycle #2
• POD Inquiry Cycle (or in Nov.-Jan.)
• Review ILP– Reflect on Moments of
Growth & Learning and Evidence Collection
May – June
• Reassess Your Practice
• End-of-Year Reflection
• Spring ILP Review and Feedback
• End-of-Year Program Survey
• Receive Recommendation for Clear Credential
What are Support Providers?
The WCCUSD Support Provider for the Teacher Induction Program (TIP) is a seasoned, credentialed teacher who mentors and supports Participating Teachers (PTs) during their induction. Support Providers offer individualized, hands-on guidance, helping new teachers refine their classroom management, instructional techniques, and student engagement strategies. They collaborate with PTs to set personalized goals, reflect on their teaching practices, and implement evidence-based methods for improvement.
Support Providers observe classrooms, provide actionable feedback, and guide PTs through ongoing professional development. They assist PTs in meeting program requirements and developing the skills needed to obtain their Clear Credential. Through consistent, supportive mentoring, Support Providers build strong, trusting relationships with PTs, offering both emotional support and professional advice.
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPATING TEACHERS
Here are three key benefits of having Support Providers for teachers in the TIP program:
-
Personalized Mentorship: Support Providers offer individualized guidance tailored to the specific needs of Participating Teachers (PTs). They help new teachers set goals, reflect on their practice, and implement effective teaching strategies to improve classroom management, student engagement, and instructional techniques.
-
Constructive Feedback and Growth: Support Providers observe classrooms, provide actionable feedback, and offer resources that help PTs refine their skills. This ongoing feedback fosters continuous professional development, ensuring teachers grow and feel more confident in their roles.
-
Emotional and Professional Support: Beyond just teaching strategies, Support Providers offer emotional support, helping PTs navigate the challenges of their first years in the classroom. Their mentorship builds a trusting relationship, which can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction for new teachers.
Finding the right support provider
At WCCUSD’s Teacher Induction Program (TIP), the staff prioritizes matching Participating Teachers (PTs) with the right Support Providers (SPs) to ensure a successful mentoring experience. If the match doesn’t feel ideal, either the PT or SP can contact TIP staff for assistance. The staff will meet with each partner individually and/or together to assess the situation, discuss concerns, and explore possible solutions. If both agree, the PT and SP will work to strengthen their relationship. However, if dissatisfaction persists, TIP staff will facilitate a new match to better support the teacher’s growth.
KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD MAKE An excellent SUPPORT PROVIDER?
If you know an experienced, passionate educator who is eager to mentor and guide new teachers, we want to hear from you! Support Providers play a crucial role in helping Participating Teachers grow and thrive. If you think someone would be a great fit for this rewarding role, please encourage them to reach out to WCCUSD’s Teacher Induction Program (TIP).
We’d love to connect with them!
How Do I Complete Induction?
How do I complete Induction?
In each year of Induction's two-year program, you will develop a year-long inquiry through an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), which focuses on a specific aspect of your teaching. Through the Inquiry you will:
- Utilize standards, collect evidence and assess your teaching practice
- Employ strategies to provide all students equitable access to the core curriculum
- Appropriately differentiate instruction within your inquiry focus
- Examine the effects of instructional design-making on student learning
- Build a partnership with families and colleagues to support student success
- Create an identity-safe learning environment that supports all students in reaching their full potential
- Develop as a culturally competent educator
Each year you will attend professional development events and meetings that support your individualized inquiry and program completion. Your Support Provider will meet with you on a weekly basis to engage in inquiry-related activites that will build your teaching and reflective skills.
What is the Induction Road Trip?
The Induction Road Trip really is about examining practice through inquiry while reflecting on professional goals. Contact us to find out more about joining us on the Induction Road Trip!
What is the Continuum of Teaching Practice that guides TIP?
👉🏽 👉🏽 Download the Continuum of Teaching Practice from the California Department of Education.
The Continuum of Teaching Practice is a framework designed by the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to guide the professional development and growth of educators throughout their careers. It outlines the stages of teacher development and helps educators understand how they can evolve from novice to highly effective teachers.
Request my TIP Records
If a Participating Teacher (PT) needs a copy of their induction records (such as the Letter of Completion, Letter of Program Status, Requirements, or Progress Check), they should submit a written request via email or complete the TIP Inquiry/Request Form.
Upon receiving the request, TIP staff will provide a hard copy of the document to the PT or send it electronically to the necessary third party. This process ensures that PTs can access the required documentation promptly and efficiently.
How do I file a grievance about TIP or a Support Provider?
If a Participating Teacher (PT) wishes to grieve actions or decisions related to their admission, progress, or completion of the Teacher Induction Program (TIP), the first step is to discuss the issue directly with the appropriate TIP staff member(s). This informal discussion aims to resolve the concern quickly and amicably.
If the matter is not resolved informally, the PT has the option to escalate the grievance by submitting a written grievance via email to Kristyn Loy, Coordinator of Teacher Residency Programs. In this case, Kristyn Loy, along with the PT and/or TIP staff member(s), will work collaboratively to address the issue and reach a fair resolution. The goal is to ensure that any concerns are heard and properly addressed in a timely and professional manner.
By following this process, the PT can ensure that their concerns are taken seriously, while also allowing for constructive dialogue that leads to a resolution. The focus is on maintaining a supportive environment for both the PT and the TIP team to ensure successful program completion.
What happens in the unlikely event that the TIP program closes?
While the WCCUSD Teacher Induction Program (TIP) is designed to provide continuous support for Participating Teachers (PTs), in the unlikely event that the program is closed in the future, a Teach Out Plan is in place to ensure that enrolled PTs are able to transition smoothly to another program.
WCCUSD does not anticipate closing the TIP program in the foreseeable future. However, should the need arise, the district is committed to supporting all PTs during the transition. If TIP were to close, each PT would receive a personalized transition plan developed by TIP staff.
This plan includes:
- Assisting PTs in finding a Commission-approved program where they can continue their induction journey.
- Providing the necessary documentation to confirm their progress in the TIP program, including details of completed requirements and milestones. This documentation will enable PTs to transfer their progress and continue their induction in a new program without disruption.
The Teach Out Plan is designed to ensure that no PT is left without options, and that their efforts and progress are not lost. TIP staff would work closely with each PT to make sure they are well-supported throughout the process, allowing them to continue on the path to earning their Clear Credential.
For more information about the Teach Out Plan, please click [here].

CONTACT US
our OFFICE
6028 Ralston Ave
Richmond, CA 94805
Phone: (510) 307-4512
Contacts
Kelly Reimer, Program Assistant
Melissa Faeth, Office Clerk
District Organization
Human Resources
Dr. Anne Shin
Acting Director of HR, Certificate
Dr. Sylvia Greenwood
Acting Associate Superintendent, Human Resources
Kristyn Loy
Coordinator of Teacher Residency Programs
QUICK LINKS
- TIP Theory of Action
- Calendar (Intranet Users only)