HOW IT WORKS

Attend an Information Session

We recommend you attend an Information Session prior to submitting your application if possible. These sessions provide an overview of how the program works, cost structure, financial aid and application submission requirements. Each session also has a Question and Answer session. so all your questions are answered before you begin the application process. You can register for an upcoming information session here. You can also view an information session recording here.

Submit your application

You’ll need to gather all the information required for submission during the application process. As you collect your information, you will be able to save where you are and exit the application. Upon saving your application, you will be emailed a link to resume where you left off. Application requirements and prerequisites can be found here.

Your application is reviewed

Applications are reviewed after the submission deadline passes. Applicants will be contacted within the following weeks to discuss admission status and interviews will be scheduled for those who have met the requirements. 

Start your program

We have fall and spring starts with courses continuing during the summer, both in-person and online. Your specific course of study will be developed in collaboration with you and the program leader. You will receive personal advising and will need to attend a student orientation before the start of the program.

Distance Learning Requirements

Each enrolled candidate will be responsible for having a reliable Wi-Fi connection and a computer with a camera to access the course(s) and instructor. An external headset with a microphone may be helpful. The course instructor will set up the zoom access codes for you before the class start date.  In addition, the syllabus for the course will have the instructor's contact information if you have technology issues. Our Office of Technology offers candidates IT services as seen here.

Complete your assessments

While you are in the program, you will be supported to complete both CalTPA 1 and CalTPA 2, and if you are a multiple subjects candidate, RICA.

Complete your Clinical Practice

Candidates enrolling in Clinical Practice are required to complete 600 hours in two settings over the arc of their program.

• Multiple subject candidates will work with children grade levels TK-2 and 3-6
• Single subject candidates will have two different placements, at a middle school or a high school
• Candidates enroll in the following two courses, EDUC X303: Clinical Practice 1 and EDUC X305: Clinical Practice 3
  • In EDUC X303, students spend 200 hours observing, working with students one-on-one, teaching small groups, and teaching the whole class.
  • In EDUC X305, students spend 400 hours teaching students in various capacities but are required to solo-teach the class as the teacher for a total of 4 weeks.

While in both clinical practice placements, students are supported by teacher preparation program instructors, UC Merced mentors, school district administration, and school site cooperating teachers.

Complete your program and secure your preliminary teaching credential

1. Successfully complete your course of study, required teacher preparation program assessments, and Clinical Practice hours with observations
   

   Single Subject Course of Study | Multiple Subject Course of Study

2. You will then participate in an Individual Development Plan or IDP to evaluate where you are in regard to the Teacher Performance Expectations (referred to as TPEs) with your cooperating teacher, mentor, and a TPP administrator

3. You review the program checklist that is provided to you at the beginning of the program to gather all materials necessary for the final program review and submit them to Mayra Franco, Credential Analyst

4. After your documents have been verified by the Credential Analyst, you will participate in an Exit Interview and the Credential Analyst will file for your preliminary teaching credential