Los Angeles
About Us
Los Angeles is home to more than 10 million people. Its public education system is one of the region’s most critical services; its schools are places of academic achievement, social and emotional growth, nourishment, and joy for more than one million students.
No story about Teach For America is complete without Los Angeles. We are one of the first five Teach For America sites, founded in 1990. We support the third-largest alumni network with over 3,700 TFA alumni living in Los Angeles.
Teach For America Los Angeles is:
Teach For America Los Angeles is:
- the county’s largest source of educators serving schools in low-income and historically excluded communities.
- one of the county’s largest sources of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Special Education (SPED) educators.
Our Alumni Network
Our Alumni Network
With almost 4,000 alumni in Los Angeles, we have one of the largest alumni networks in the country. Our community of teachers, school and systems leaders, social entrepreneurs, CEOs, organizers, and public officials make big waves and continue to create lasting change for students and their communities.
Living and Teaching Here
Living and Teaching Here
Los Angeles County is home to approximately 10 million people spread out across 4,060 square miles of palm trees, mountains, beaches, and sunshine. Our corps members are spread throughout the region and teach in 4 school districts and 15 charter management organizations, from Pacoima in the north valley to Carson in the south.
Getting Certified
Teach For America Los Angeles works in partnership with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) to guide all corps members through the teacher credentialing process.
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires all K-12 teachers to hold or be earning a teaching credential through a teacher preparation program. LMU serves as Los Angeles corps members’ teacher preparation program during your two years in the classroom.
During your onboarding period (the time after which you accept your TFA offer, but before you begin TFA’s summer teacher training) you will:
- Meet the the California Basic Skills Requirement by either submitting a score report with qualifying SAT, ACT, or AP scores OR passing the CBEST exam
- Study for and pass two to six California subject matter exams (dependent upon your subject assignment)
- Complete other credentialing requirements, such as getting a TB test, applying for a Certificate of Clearance, and getting fingerprinted three times
- Enroll in LMU’s Teacher Credential Program
In order to meet CTC requirements, in your first summer and academic year as a Los Angeles corps member, you will:
- Complete an ELL course while simultaneously completing Teach For America’s Pre-Service summer teacher training
- Engage in weekly LMU classes and complete the required university coursework
All Los Angeles corps members work with LMU to earn their intern credential unless they have earned a credential prior to joining Teach For America.
It is important to understand, budget, and plan to have a successful financial transition to the Los Angeles corps. Below are the fees you will incur, as it relates to teacher credentialing, before receiving your first paycheck:
- California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) - $102
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for the subject matter(s) in which you are assigned to teach: $200 - $300
- U.S. Constitution Exam: $0 - $85
- Degree-conferred transcript (2 copies): $0 - $75
- TB Test & Physical: $0 - $100
- Certificate of Clearance: $52
- Credential Posting Fee: $100
- Fingerprints: $125
Second year corps members and alumni may pursue a Masters of Urban Education or Special Education at LMU; only a few additional courses are required for this degree.
To help offset credentialing costs, you may be eligible to enroll as an AmeriCorps member during your first and second year as a corps member. To qualify for enrollment, you must meet specific citizenship and service term requirements. After each successful year as an AmeriCorps member, you may receive an education award.
The out-of-pocket costs for LMU’s certification program tuition are approximately $6,000 after taking into account the AmeriCorps Education Award. If you are not eligible for an AmeriCorps award or you choose not to enroll in AmeriCorps, supplemental financial support in the form of grants and awards varies. For those interested in reducing their costs and committing to teaching in CA schools for up to 4 years, they may apply for the CA Golden State Teaching Grant (up to $20,000).
Support Our Work
Thank You to Our Supporters
Teach For America Los Angeles’ profound impact is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters. Thank you.
The Los Angeles Team
Lida Jennings
Executive Director
Teach For America Los Angeles
Lida has been with Teach For America LA for over a decade becoming the Executive Director in 2013. She is a passionate advocate for educational excellence for all kids and deeply believes that every child deserves the opportunity of an excellent education that sets them on the path to the life of their choosing.
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