About Pathway to Teaching

SFUSD Pathway to Teaching is a practice-based intern teacher credential program. Pathway teachers earn a full-time salary while also earning their preliminary credential within as little as 15 months.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Link to this section

In alignment with district-wide diversification goals, we are driven to recruit, support and retain teachers of color. We aim to reduce barriers many teachers of color face to entering and staying in education, and to connect teachers with support, development and leadership opportunities to continue growing in the classroom and beyond. 65% of Pathway alumni are teachers of color, and our currently enrolled teachers are 81% teachers of color.

Credential Areas Link to this section

As a program accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Pathway to Teaching credentials in three areas: 

• Multiple Subject (TK-5)
• Multiple Subject (TK-5) + Bilingual Spanish Authorization
• Education Specialist, Mild to Moderate Support Needs (TK-12)

Summer Pre-Service Preparation (PSP) Coursework & Field Work Link to this section

• Intensive preparation and clinical experience in your credential area, with embedded coursework and coaching
• Teach in a "Learning Lab" classroom with an experienced Teacher Educator and 2-3 other Pathway teacher candidates
• Participate in afternoon coaching with your Teacher Educator and small group of peers to analyze and reflect upon teaching and learning and plan for upcoming lessons
• Engage in content-specific mini-courses taught by district content specialists 

Academic Year Coursework Link to this section

• Online modules specific to credential area, focused on serving students with special needs, English Language Development for English Language Learners, literacy, math, science, health, and social science
• Modules include videos, journal entries, interactive quizzes, and culminating assignments that receive targeted feedback from course instructors

Continuous Support & Supervision and Professional Learning Link to this section

• Attend a combination of in-person sessions & online webinars
• Engage with site and district practitioners who can support your development (e.g. literacy coaches, special education content specialists, instructional reform facilitators)

Coaching & Assessment Link to this section

• High-touch coaching and support from an expert in your credential area
• Weekly 1:1 sessions including observations, real-time coaching and feedback, modeling and rehearsal, lesson planning, student work analysis, and assessment of progress
• Monthly small group coaching with your coach cohort focused on cultivating resilience and community

Cost Link to this section

• Tuition for Pathway to Teaching is $5,000. Tuition payments are made as 10 monthly payroll deductions beginning with the October paycheck.
• Teachers should also anticipate the following costs:
  • Fingerprinting: $49-$98
  • Certificate of Clearance: $52.50
  • CPR Clearance: $35
  • Intern Credential: $100
  • Textbooks: $25-$100
  • Certification Exams*
    • CBEST: $102
    • CSET: $99 per subtest; $247 for Multiple Subject I, II, III taken together
    • RICA: $171
    • edTPA: $300
  • Preliminary Credential: $100
• Earn Continuing Education Units toward salary increase on the SFUSD pay scale

*Certification exam fees are waived through June 30, 2023.