Induction Program
Induction is a professional development program designed to support beginning teachers holding a Preliminary Teaching Credential. The High Tech High (HTH) Induction program incorporates improvement science and collegial coaching aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). Our program allows participants to select into Improvement Science groups based on their area of interest or growth. We encourage our participants to think deeply about their pedagogical practice(s) and hone new strategies that will enhance their teaching skills. Upon completion, teachers earn their California Clear Single, Multiple, or Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Credential through advanced study of teaching practice and mentorship. Two-year program (Sept-May, online).
- Cycle through various stages of Improvement Research
- Mentoring Support
- Monthly meetings
- Prerequisites: Employment as a Teacher of Record and a valid CA Preliminary Credential
What is Improvement Science?
- Improvement Science is explicitly designed to accelerate learning-by-doing.
- It’s a more user-centered and problem-centered approach to improving teaching and learning (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching).
- Improvement research is a focused learning journey.
- The overall goal is to develop the necessary know-how for a reform idea ultimately to spread faster and more effectively.
- Since improvement research is an iterative process often extending over considerable periods of time, it is also referred to as continuous improvement.
Listen to our podcast on continuous improvement and induction
Eligibility
To be eligible to enroll in the HTH Induction Program, an applicant must meet all eligibility criteria listed below.
- Employed or offered employment as the teacher of record, 50% or more time, in a K-12 public, charter, or private school environment within California. If employed at a school outside of HTH Charter, then HTH credentialing will seek to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining roles and responsibilities for Induction support.
- Hold a CA Preliminary Teaching Credential(s) in one or more of the following areas: Single Subject, Multiple Subjects, Education Specialist Mild/Moderate or Mod/Severe support needs.
Enrollment
- Enrollment for the 2025-26 program year will open in April 2025. Please check back to our website at that time for the application link.
- If you have a credential that will be expiring before you can complete induction and you would like to consult with one of our Credential Analysts for guidance, please reach out to us at credentialing@hightechhigh.org
Early Completion Option (ECO)
ECO is a route that allows experienced teachers to complete Induction in one year based on 5+ years of full-time successful teaching experience.
IMPORTANT: After reviewing the summary below, if you feel you might qualify, please take a moment to carefully read this Eligibility Informational to learn more.
Summary:
- 5+ years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience as a teacher of record in a K-12 teaching assignment. This excludes shared teaching, substitute teaching, student teaching, and internships.
- Teachers who completed the HTH District Intern program or SDTR’s M.Ed program only need to submit evidence of the three criteria listed below.
- Demonstration of exemplary teaching practice as evidenced by two prior site evaluations with the equivalent of satisfactory or better on all criteria; or two current professional letters of reference.
- Recommendation from current principal/director via anonymous recommendation form provided by the Teacher Center.
Mentor Criteria
Induction participants must receive support from a mentor during enrollment in the program. Below are mentor criteria and requirements, more information can be found on our mentor website here.
- Valid CA Clear Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization
- Three + years of Successful Teaching Experience
- Recommendation from School Director/Principal
- Participate in workshops/trainings
Improvement Teams
Teachers enrolled in the High Tech High Induction program participate in the ideation and creation of a “change idea.” The change idea is an evidence-based set of changes that are critical to the improvement of an issue the teacher identifies. Teachers record and curate these ideas through Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles in service of their learning and the ultimate creation of their “Change Package”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I completed your induction program but was unable to petition to graduate before the September 1st deadline. I can’t wait until next summer to receive my CA Clear. Can you help me?
A: Yes-please email us at credentialing@hightechhigh.org and request an expedited CA Clear recommendation. You must be able to provide score reports and or academic records for any outstanding credential renewal requirements. There will be a $50 processing fee for requests received between September 2nd and April 30th of each year.
Q: Do I have to work at HTH to do your Induction Program?
A: No, enrollment is open to any employed K-12 teachers within California who meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: Can I clear my credential with your program if I am not a High Tech High Teacher?
A: Yes- teachers who hold an SB2042 Preliminary credential who are working as a teacher in an assignment that matches their credential, and live within California, are welcome to participate in our program.
Q: I have completed year 1 in a different program, will that count for your program?
A: Yes- request a verification document (transcript or letter of completion) from your former Induction program that outlines your work in their program. Additionally, make sure to select Traditional Two year as your program pathway when completing our online program application.
Q: What if I am paying the fee?
A: There is a $200 non-refundable enrollment fee due upon admission and may be paid with a credit card. The annual program fee can be paid in a few different ways. You may pay the entire amount in one payment with a credit card or you may elect to split the fee with up to 5 monthly installments. Or, if your employer is paying part or all of the fee for you then you would let us know to invoice your employer for the amount they have agreed to pay.
Q: What time commitment is required outside of work? (I work from 8:00 to 4:00 PM, and would like to avoid missing work if possible).
A: Attend 8 online meetings throughout the school year (September – May) from 4:45 – 6:45 pm. You will also meet weekly with your Mentor, participate in observations and complete all required activities.
Q: Do I have to have a mentor?
A: Yes.
Q: My credential is about to expire this year. Who can help me with an extension?
A: You may contact us for assistance in applying for a two-year extension. Please note that in order for us to assist you, you must first be enrolled into our program and there will be a $200 deposit due before we can sign off on your form CL-885 for the CTC Extension Request. Important: It can take several months to complete this process with the CTC, do not wait to address this need. You may schedule an advising meeting at any time to get started today.
Q: I hold two credentials: Single Subject-Math and Multiple Subjects. Can I clear both credentials in your Induction program?
A: Yes, dual credential holders can clear both credentials as long as you have access to teaching students in each of those content areas. An individual learning plan will be established to outline specifics.
Q: Do I have to be employed as a teacher?
A: Yes- to enroll in Induction you must be employed as the teacher of record, at least 50% time, in an appropriate setting. Long term substitutes, Academic Coaches or Instructional Aides are not eligible to enroll.