El Dorado County Teacher Induction Program
The El Dorado County Teacher Induction Program (TIP) is a two-year, comprehensive approach to earning a California Clear credential for both General Education and Education Specialists. Individualized professional learning and support opportunities are identified and allow each candidate to practice and refine effective teaching practices as they gain competency toward mastery in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).
Next Enrollment Date: July 27 - August 31, 2026
Our Vision Statement
The vision of the El Dorado County Teacher Induction Program is to provide new educators with a high-quality, job-embedded, individualized program that is grounded in a system of mentoring, support, and professional learning. Our Induction program supports each candidate’s growth and development by building upon the knowledge and skills gained during their Preliminary Preparation program to build habits of mind for effective teaching practices and to develop life-long learners.
Candidate Eligibility
EDCOE TIP currently serves teachers in a public, charter, private or independent school within El Dorado County, Alpine County, or the El Dorado County Charter SELPA.
- Hold a valid and active Preliminary Multiple, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Credential.
- Hold a teaching position for which their credential is required in a public, charter, private or independent school.
- Hold a teaching position within El Dorado County, Alpine County, or at one of our EDCOE Charter SELPA Partner Schools.
Find out more information about EDCOE TIP with the El Dorado County Teacher Induction Program Flyer and Compliance Brochure.
Mentor Qualifications & Requirements
EDCOE TIP places a high priority on recruiting and maintaining well-qualified Mentors.
Find out more information on the EDCOE TIP Mentor role and requirements for this program with the Mentor Qualifications & Agreement.
Program Highlights
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U Mass Global
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Dedicated Team to Support New Teachers
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Strategic Mentor Matching
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Upcoming online informational sessions:
Upcoming online informational sessions:
Upcoming online informational sessions:
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School/District Administration:
March 11, 2026
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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Aspiring Mentors:
April 27, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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School/District Administration:
June 9, 2026
1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
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Aspiring Mentors:
August 10, 2026
4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
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New Teachers:
August 17, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting Started: The Path to Teaching in California
Getting Started: The Path to Teaching in California
How do I become a teacher in California?
California utilizes a two-tiered credentialing process that begins with earning a Preliminary Credential through a Commission-approved preparation program, such as a blended program, a post-baccalaureate program, or an internship program. The second tier involves completing a teacher induction program to earn a Professional Clear Credential.
What is the process for clearing my credential?
To earn a Professional Clear Credential, candidates with a preliminary credential must complete a Commission-approved teacher induction program. This process involves job-embedded mentoring, advanced curriculum demonstration, frequent reflection on practice, and the development of an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) focused on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).
What is Teacher Induction?
Induction is a two-year, CTC-accredited program designed to provide job-embedded mentoring and support to new educators. It uses a structured inquiry cycle to help teachers grow in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
How do I know if I need to complete Teacher Induction?
You generally need to complete induction if you hold a valid California Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist credential and are currently employed as the teacher of record in a position requiring that credential. To confirm your specific obligations, you should monitor your credential status online through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website. If you are required to complete a program, "Commission-approved Induction Program" will be explicitly listed as a renewal requirement on your Preliminary Teacher Credential.
The EDCOE Program: Support and Eligibility
The EDCOE Program: Support and Eligibility
Who does the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) support?
We support teachers working in public, charter, private, or independent schools within El Dorado County, Alpine County, or Statewide as part of the El Dorado County Charter SELPA.
Which credentials can be cleared through the El Dorado County Teacher Induction Program?
The EDCOE Teacher Induction Program offers a comprehensive approach to clearing Preliminary General Education (Multiple and Single Subject) and Preliminary Education Specialist credentials.
What are the eligibility requirements for Candidates?
Candidates must hold a valid California Preliminary or Level 1 credential and a teaching position in an approved school within El Dorado County, Alpine County, or Statewide as part of the El Dorado County Charter SELPA.
What are the eligibility requirements for Mentors?
Mentors must hold a valid Clear Teaching Credential, have at least three years of effective teaching experience, and possess a commitment to professional learning and collaboration.
See our Mentor Qualifications & Agreement for more Information.
How do I enroll in Induction?
At the time of your employment, your district or school’s Human Resources (HR) department will assist you with enrollment by evaluating your credential status. Once enrolled, program coordinators will review your enrollment information and reach out with next steps.
How do I get connected with a Mentor?
The El Dorado County Teacher Induction Program identifies and assigns a Mentor to each Candidate by working collaboratively with district and site administration, within 30 days of enrollment in the program. Mentors are carefully matched to Candidates according to specific program criteria, including credentials held, grade level, and subject area appropriate to the Candidate’s current employment. Additionally, your district or school’s Human Resources (HR) department assists with the initial enrollment process, which triggers the matching and assignment of your Mentor.
Program Commitments
Program Commitments
What is the role of the site or district administrator in the Induction process?
Site and district administrators play a critical role in supporting the success of new teachers by ensuring a supportive environment for professional growth. Their primary requirements and responsibilities include:
- Mentor Recommendations: Administrators work collaboratively with the program to recommend experienced teachers to serve as Mentors based on specific program criteria. It is important to note that to maintain a focus on support rather than evaluation, site administrators may not serve as Induction Mentors.
- Provision of Resources: Administrators ensure that Candidates have access to positive working conditions, including locally adopted instructional materials, educational technology, and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues.
- Attendance at Meetings: Administrators are required to attend initial and mid-inquiry meetings with the Candidate and Mentor. These meetings are designed to discuss the development of Professional Growth Goals, identify professional learning opportunities, and review progress made throughout the year.
- Release Time and Support: Administrators must provide release time for both Candidates and Mentors to meet program requirements for classroom observations and trainings. They also ensure that each Candidate receives the required average of one hour per week of individualized support from their Mentor.
- Growth-Focused Environment: A key requirement is ensuring that the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is designed and implemented solely for the professional growth and development of the Candidate and is not used for evaluation for employment purposes.
- Onsite Partnership Support: Administrators support the onsite Candidate/Mentor partnership and are responsible for communicating any questions or concerns to Induction leadership to ensure timely resolution.
What is the process for clearing my credential?
To earn a Professional Clear Credential, candidates with a preliminary credential must complete a Commission-approved teacher induction program. This process involves job-embedded mentoring, advanced curriculum demonstration, frequent reflection on practice, and the development of an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) focused on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).
What is Teacher Induction?
Induction is a two-year, CTC-accredited program designed to provide job-embedded mentoring and support to new educators. It uses a structured inquiry cycle to help teachers grow in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
How do I know if I need to complete Teacher Induction?
You generally need to complete induction if you hold a valid California Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist credential and are currently employed as the teacher of record in a position requiring that credential. To confirm your specific obligations, you should monitor your credential status online through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website. If you are required to complete a program, "Commission-approved Induction Program" will be explicitly listed as a renewal requirement on your Preliminary Teacher Credential.
What is the time commitment for New Teachers (Candidates)?
The primary focus of the program is the weekly support from your Mentor, which must average one hour per week throughout the school year. Over the course of each induction year, Candidates will meet for a total of between 30-35 hours for individualized mentoring and support. Additionally, Candidates attend online support seminars to collaborate with colleagues and receive ongoing guidance for their Individual Learning Plan (ILP). As part of their plan for professional growth, Candidates participate in four non-evaluative classroom observations by their mentor, conduct two observations of their colleagues, and participate in an additional two professional learning experiences of their choice to help advance their teaching practice.
What is the time commitment for Mentors?
Mentors provide individualized support by meeting with their Candidates for an average of one hour per week, totaling between 30–35 hours per induction year. A key component of this commitment is conducting four non-evaluative classroom observations of their Candidate annually to provide feedback and collect evidence of professional growth. Additionally, Mentors attend one annual Mentor Network Day and participate in additional mentor support trainings throughout the year. Mentors are also responsible for maintaining and updating weekly meeting logs to document the support provided and the focus of each mentoring session.
Special Pathways
Special Pathways
Can I transfer if I started Induction with a different program?
Yes, you can transfer into our program if you have already begun your induction elsewhere. To ensure your progress is accurately credited, you will need to obtain a transportability document from your previous program and submit it to us for review. Additionally, you should have your Individual Learning Plan (ILP) ready to access to support a smooth transition as you continue working towards growth in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. Please reach out to our program staff if you have any additional questions regarding your specific transfer situation.
What is the Early Completion Option (ECO) and how do I qualify?
Senate Bill 57 (Scott) allows eligible individuals to complete a Commission-approved professional teacher induction program at an accelerated pace. The intent of the law is to serve experienced and exceptional candidates. The El Dorado County Early Completion Option (ECO) is the path for qualified candidates to earn a Professional Clear Credential.
If you believe you may qualify for the Early Completion Option, an application packet may be requested at the time of enrollment in the El Dorado County Teacher Induction Program.
What is Teacher Induction?
Induction is a two-year, CTC-accredited program designed to provide job-embedded mentoring and support to new educators. It uses a structured inquiry cycle to help teachers grow in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
How do I know if I need to complete Teacher Induction?
You generally need to complete induction if you hold a valid California Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist credential and are currently employed as the teacher of record in a position requiring that credential. To confirm your specific obligations, you should monitor your credential status online through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website. If you are required to complete a program, "Commission-approved Induction Program" will be explicitly listed as a renewal requirement on your Preliminary Teacher Credential.
