Teacher Preparation Advisement Center (TPAC)
Office for Student Services
King Hall D2078
Coordinator: Julissa Gutierrez
Phone: (323) 343-5434
Email: JGutierrez@calstatela.edu
Welcome!
The Teaching Preparation Advisement Center (TPAC) is part of the Office for Student Services in the Charter College of Education (CCOE). We were created to give undergraduate students in Early Field Experience courses an opportunity to visit a local school for classroom observations. We are responsible for the coordination of the early field experience component of the undergraduate teacher preparation program courses. TPAC assists and advises students on the clearances required that are mandated by the State of California and Cal State LA for field experience; and ensures that students are placed in qualified schools with credentialed teachers in the subject matter related to the University course.
This is an amazing opportunity for students to get a firsthand look at an active classroom and gain a better understanding of the teaching profession. This is also a great chance to network and accumulate observation hours that students can take with them to the CCOE Credential Program. By having this unique opportunity in an undergraduate course, students can make a more informed decision as to whether a career in teaching is right for them. Hopefully this experience will give students the insight to continue on this career path with greater faith, awareness, and knowledge.
If you want more information on our CCOE credential program and want to stay update to what is happening in the field of Education including job postings, please like our Facebook page and Instagram page.
Background & Health Clearance Requirements:
The following background and health clearances are required and mandated by the State of California and Cal State LA. You must complete each clearance before visiting or participating in any early field experience observations at a school site.
Certificate of Clearance:
A Certificate of Clearance is a document you receive from the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). This involves a two-step process: Live Scan and an Online Application with the CCTC.
Please visit the CCOE Student Services webpage for in-depth instructions: /academic/ccoe/oss/Certificate%20of%20Clearance%20Application%20Instructions
Once you receive your Certificate of Clearance, it is valid for 5 years.
Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance.
• TB Testing at Cal State LA– Cal State LA Health Center offers TB screening FREE for current students. For more information visit the Cal State LA student health center or call (323) 343-3301.
• TB Testing with Personal Physician– If you prefer to visit your family physician, please contact your physician to make a TB screening appointment.
Student Liability Insurance. Cal State LA Medical Professional Liability & Educator’s Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance is for students in the nursing/allied health program and in the teaching credentialing program who are required by third-party institutions (hospitals, K-12 schools) to provide professional liability insurance for participation in affiliation programs.
You can purchase the insurance in person at the Cashiers Window or you pay online through GET.
Early Field Experience Placement at a School Site:
Please check in with your Cal State LA professor regarding school site placements. Based upon on the individual course, placements will be handled by TPAC, your professor, or the individual student. I look forward to working with you and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.