Congratulations on your admission into our Teacher Preparation Program!
Becoming a teacher is one of the most important career choices you can make. We're excited you're joining us to prepare for the classroom and obtain your teaching credential.
First steps are to meet with our Assistant Director or Credential Analyst to review your program advisement. During this meeting, you will be able to review your course of study, discuss the Credential Program checklist, request your clinical practice placement, and receive guidance for course registration.
You will also receive information about the required New Student Orientation and Clinical Practice Orientation sessions that will be held online via Zoom. We will send you a reminder to attend as we get closer to the assigned date.
Important Next Steps
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Review our Credential Program Teacher Preparation Program Policies & Procedures Handbook 2023-2024.
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Check your Financial Aid Package. Review your course of study information for details and visit Financial Aid | Helping Students Succeed.
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Apply for the CSAC - Golden State Teacher Grant Program.
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Submit the Clinical Practice Intent Form for EDUCX 303: Clinical Practice 1 (the form will be shared during your program advisement meeting).
California Educator Credentialing Assessments
The California Educator Credentialing Assessments website provides important information, including how to register, prepare and get results for assessments including the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), California Teaching Performance Assessments (TPA), and Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). Learn more at California Educator Credentialing Assessments.
Affiliated Resources
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Adding a Teaching or Content Area to Multiple and Single Subject Credentials
Added Authorization to Multiple and Single Subject Credentials
Supplementary Authorizations for Single Subject
Supplementary Authorizations for Multiple Subject
Important Resources
Financial Aid
Submit your financial aid application as soon as possible, as it is due no later than March 2. You can review the application processes here. Our UC Merced School FAFSA Code is 041271. You will need to select 5th-year undergraduate on the FAFSA application.
If you received Cal Grant beneffits in the last 15 months, you may be eligible to renew your Cal Grant award for one additional year. Learn more at Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate level courses of study.
Student Accessibility Services
The mission of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is to promote equal educational access and full participation by and for students with disabilities in the rich academic and campus life environment at UC Merced. SAS staff are available to answer questions and provide useful information to facilitate equal academic access to students with disabilities. They are located at 222 Kolligian Library. Learn more at access.ucmerced.edu.
UC Immigration Legal Services
UC Immigration Legal Services include intake screening to assess the various forms needed for DACA application assistance, green card petition support, know your rights information (work, travel, etc.), Advance Parole applications and more.
Veteran Services
Veteran Services is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for veterans, reservists and their dependents. They provide assistance in obtaining the educational benefits to which they are entitled. Learn more at Veteran Services.
Archived Teacher Preparation Program Policies and Procedures Handbooks
2022-2023 Handbook (archived handbook)
2021-2022 Handbook (archived handbook)
