Teacher Induction FAQ
Am I required to have a teaching credential to enroll in the Teacher Induction Program?
Yes, you are required to have a valid preliminary credential to be eligible to enroll in the program.
Do I have to be currently employed with a school in order to apply?
Yes, you must be currently employed and be the teacher of record in your classroom. We partner with several district, charter, and private schools. You will want to check with your employer to see if they partner with our Induction Program.
How and when do I apply for the Teacher Induction Program?
You may apply starting in late July once the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Teacher Induction dashboard opens for the academic year. Your school or district coordinator will notify you when it is time to apply.
When does the program start and end each year?
The program begins in August and follows the academic year.
How long does the program take to complete?
The induction program takes 2 years to complete, however, there is an Early Completion Option (ECO) that can reduce your induction experience up to a year or more.
How do I qualify for the Early Completion Option (ECO)? How do I apply?
Teachers must demonstrate exceptionality in the 2024 CSTPs, at a minimum be entering their 3rd year as teacher of record in California, or a minimum of 5 years as teacher of record from out of state. All ECO candidates will submit a portfolio to be reviewed by a panel selected by the Teacher Induction team. An online informational meeting with additional details regarding the process, specifics for the application, and deadline for submission, will be conducted in the fall.
Do I need a mentor? Do you provide mentors or do I need to provide my own?
Yes, all Teacher Induction participants are required to have a mentor. Most districts have mentors for their teachers. If your district does not have a mentor, a SCOE mentor may be available based on need. If you require a SCOE mentor there will be an additional mentor fee.
How does my mentor help me during the program?
SCOE Teacher Induction Participants and mentors meet in person an average of one hour every week. This conversation time is the heart of our program as new teachers develop and implement their individualized learning plan.
How many SCOE events am I required to attend each year?
Teachers are required to attend 3 events each year.
What type of work am I expected to complete? How do I turn in my assignments?
Teachers complete tasks that are directly related to their Individual Learning Plan (ILP) goal, which is developed in the fall. These tasks allow teachers to show growth toward the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). At the end of the year, SCOE Teacher Induction Participants present their induction experience via the Professional Growth Presentation.
How much does the program cost?
The SCOE Teacher Induction Participant program fee is $2,000 per year for a 2-year program. If you use one of SCOE’s mentors, there is a mentor fee of $2,275 each year in addition to your program fees. If you qualify for the Early Completion Option, there is a $500 fee in addition to your program fees.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cashier’s checks, money orders, and purchase orders.
When is payment due? Do I have to pay it all at once?
Payment is due by December 31 each year. You have the option to make 1,2, or 4 payments during the fall semester. 1 payment, 2 bi-semester payments, or 4 monthly payments to be paid in full by December 31. Financing is available through Sallie Mae Loan Servicing.
Am I eligible to receive college credit for completing induction?
Yes, if you complete all program requirements, you are eligible to apply for, and purchase units, for each Induction year. Fees for units are paid directly to our university partners. Additional information regarding purchasing units will be provided during each program year.
If I completed my first year of induction with another program, will I begin this program as a Year 2 candidate?
To be recognized as a Year 2 candidate, we must first receive verification of completion of your first year directly from your previous induction program. Please contact your previous program and request that a “Verification of Year 1 Completion” document be sent directly to Marie Callahan at mcallahan@scoe.net. Verification documentation sent directly from teacher candidates will not be accepted.
What if I take maternity leave, family leave or leave teaching because of a move to another district?
If you take any type of leave, we keep track of your induction experience. It is required for SCOE Teacher Induction Participants to notify us whenever a leave is taken. Once you return from leave, a completion plan will be crafted for you. If you move to another district, we complete a transition document of your induction completion status when it is requested.
