Facts & Questions
Sections on this page:
Applying for the PTTP
What is a "teaching" paraprofessional?
A "teaching" paraprofessional is a classified employee who works with students in an instructional setting on a regular basis. The positions include: educational aide, instructional aide, special education aide, special education assistant, teacher associate, teacher assistant, teacher aide, pupil service aide, library aide, child development aide, child development assistant, and physical education aide.
When are applications accepted?
Applications are accepted year round. Openings may occur at any time.
To whom do I submit my application packet?
Submit your application documents to your employing district. In most cases, this will be to someone in the district's Human Resources Department or designee.
Do I need to submit official transcripts when applying for the program?
Yes, at the time of applying for the program, official transcripts are required .
Do I reapply every year?
Once accepted, a participant is supported until they attain a preliminary or Tier I Special Education credential. There is no need to reapply for continued support.
How many participants are accepted each year?
The number of new participants is dependent upon funding for that year and the number of continuing participants.
Remaining active in the PTTP
How long is program support guaranteed?
The program is funded on a yearly basis and there is no guarantee from year to year. Funding for the PTTP is allocated annually through the adoption of the State Budget each year.
What happens, if I quit my job as a teaching paraprofessional?
If you quit your job as a teaching paraprofessional, you will be required to repay the financial support you received through the program. The only exception is to student teach or become the teacher of record on an intern, temporary, or emergency credential .
Can I take a leave of absence ?
A leave of absence can be granted for no more than one year for certain specific reasons as outlined in program regulations. Financial support is suspended during a leave of absence .
Can I reapply for the program after dropping out?
No, the regulations do not allow for reentering the program, once a participant drops out.
Where is my verification letter?
Verification letters are sent to participants in good standing after funding is assured for that fiscal year (July 1- June 30). If a letter is not received, it may be that a required document for continued support has not yet been received. Call the project secretary for questions.
Why isn't my name on the list at the college/university?
Your name will not be included on lists at the college/universities, if you have not submitted all required documents each year. During the year, a participant's name may be removed, if program requirements are not maintained.
Do I need to submit annual documents, even if I am on a leave of absence or not requesting financial support for college?
Yes, annual documents (Data Consent Form, Letter of Commitment, Update Form, unofficial transcripts) are required annually by all participants.
How many units of study do I need to complete each year?
You need to complete at least 12 units of study each year.
Do I have to maintain a minimum GPA?
You need to maintain at least a GPA of 2.75. This is also the GPA required to be considered for the credential program.
Do I need to attend cohort meetings?
Cohort meeting attendance is required for continued support in the program. Participants should contact the project coordinator, if they are unable to attend a cohort meeting. The project covers the cost for a substitute for participants who are teachers of record.
Do I need to take personal leave time to attend cohort meetings??
No, participants participants should be released from their job-site to attend cohort meetings. They should not be taking personal leave time to attend. Participants are selected for their potential to meet a future teacher need of a district or a consortium district. The 3-hour per month release of the paraprofessional was part of the original agreement for a district’s participation in the program. It is in-kind support. It can also be counted towards a district’s obligation for professional development.
Do I need to submit transcripts every year?
Yes, participants must submit transcripts every year, even if no classes were taken. They do not need to be official transcripts. Unofficial transcripts, those a student can print out themselves, are sufficient for this requirement.
Financial Matters
How long is program support guaranteed?
The program is funded on a yearly basis and there is no guarantee from year to year. Funding for the PTTP is allocated annually through the adoption of the State Budget each year.
What is covered by the financial support received through PTTP?
College/university fees for courses leafing to a teaching credential are covered, along with the books and instructional materials for the coursework. The books and supplies are verified by the course syllabus. Items not listed on the course syllabus are not covered. Test fees are covered once for each section of a required test towards attaining a BA or a teaching credential.
How do I get reimbursed for test fees?
Test fees are reimbursed after the test has been taken and the results have been received. A receipt for the payment of the test fee and a copy of the test results need to be submitted to the project secretary for reimbursement. Each section of a test can be reimbursed once . Passage of the test is not required to be reimbursed.
If I drop from the program, when does repayment begin?
A Reimbursement Agreement must be signed and submitted with a full or partial payment within 30 days of dropping from the program. Arrangements can be made to pay in monthly installments.
How can I track how much I owe?
CTC has established a website where a former participant can track their payments and how much is still owed. Click here to check your repayment status.
Certificate of Clearance
How do I attain a Certificate of Clearance?
Attaining a Certificate of Clearance is a 2-step process. One must schedule for a livescan fingerprinting session and go to the CTC website to apply for a Certificate of Clearance. The process is described in the document, Certificate of Clearance.
Why is it taking so long to get my Certificate of Clearance?
It can take up to 3 weeks to attain a Certificate of Clearance. What can delay the process even longer is if you did not provide full disclosure at the time of the application. Be sure to note any legal issues in which you have been involved. Even dismissed or expunged cases may appear during the clearance process. Not disclosing these incidences can cause very long delays in attaining your certificate of clearance.
I can't find my copy of the Certificate of Clearance. How can I get a copy?
You can always access your certificates, permits, and credentials at the website of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, https://teachercred.ctc.ca.gov/teachers/index.jsp. You can also check the status of your application at this site.
Graduates
I finished my credential program, what do I need to submit?
Once you attain your preliminary or Tier 1 Special Education credential, submit a copy for your file. Once you attain a full-time teaching position, submit a copy of your teaching contract or offer of employment.
What are my obligations, once I graduate with my teaching credential?
You need to apply to districts in the consortium for a teaching position. Once you attain a teaching position, you need to notify the PTTP project staff and submit a copy of your teaching contract. You will need to maintain contact with PTTP project staff to verify your teaching assignment until you have met the number of years required by your commitment.
When does my payback in service begin?
It begins as soon as you begin teaching in a full-time teaching position with your preliminary or Tier 1 teaching credential. Internships, or assignments as a teacher of record with a temporary or emergency credential do not count.
What if I am not offered a position in a consortium school district?
You can accept a position outside of the consortium upon verifying that you applied and did not refuse employment for which you were qualified with a consortium school district. The Sign-off Form must be signed by a representative from each consortium district and submitted to the project secretary. The form can be found on the Forms Page. This will release you from your obligation to teach for a consortium district, but not from teaching. You must still maintain contact with the PTTP project staff to verify that you are teaching for the number of years required by your agreement.