Frequently Asked Questions

When I finish the program, will I have a credential valid to teach anywhere?
You will have a multiple subject credential valid to teach in a self-contained classroom in any school in California— public, parochial, or private. And with just a few more classes, you can obtain a single subject credential, to enable you, for instance, to be a middle school math or science teacher or a high school English teacher. State credential reciprocity is another matter. California does have one of the most far-reaching credentials, and if you exercise your option to obtain a masters in our program, you should be qualified to teach in any of the other 49 states.

Do I get paid in this internship program?
In order to be part of this program, you need to have a paid teaching position. This could be in a independent, public charter, or parochial school. All of the schools that make up the coalition sponsoring the BATTI program employ assistant, intern or associate teachers. Salaries for these positions range from $24,000 to $34,000. Almost all of the BATTI students are assistant teachers, but you could participate in our program while working as a full-time lead teacher.

How can I get one of these assistant teacher positions?
Please contact the BATTI director about openings at the schools. When you attend our information sessions, he will give you a list of the schools, people to contact, and their hiring timelines. For reference, please consult the Coalition Schools link on this site. The BATTI director recommends good candidates to the coalition schools, and writes a biographical synopsis of each accepted student that has helped students find their jobs in the past. But it is your responsibility to contact the schools and follow through their hiring process. It is the school's decision whom they will hire for their positions. Again, you cannot participate in the BATTI program if you do not have a paid teaching position.

Can I get a public school emergency credential and be part of this program?
No, unfortunately not. This program is specifically designed for non-public school assistant teachers.

How do you get any public school experience in this program?
You get public school experience in two ways. In your first two semesters, you will get released from your independent school to teach for several days in a local public school. You will get your main public school teaching experience during the summer semester.

What are the requirements for the program?
Admissions Requirements

What are the CSET exam requirements?
We recommend that as soon as you apply for this credential program, you sign up for this test. We recommend that you take and pass this test before the program begins. You must pass all parts of the test before the summer semester.

What if I fail the CSET test?
You can take the test multiple times if necessary. The test has three parts: Reading and Social Studies; Math and Science; Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts. You may take each test separately. The CSET test requires concentrated study for most candidates; it is a harder, longer, and more expensive test than the CBEST. Weekend study courses are offered and universities in the area. You can purchase test preparation booklets at most bookstores. Online study guides are also available.

When I graduate from the program, does my degree say Bay Area Teacher Training Institute or University of the Pacific?
You will receive your Masters from University of the Pacific, along with a certificate of completion from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute. The most important piece of paper you will get will be your multiple subject credential, which you will receive from the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing in Sacramento.

Do I still have to get recommendations if I have been teaching in one of the coalition schools?
Yes, three references will be required of all candidates.

What are the deadlines for the program?
Please apply to the program by the February 15 deadline. In special circumstances, we will accept applications after that date. Please see the Admissions and Welcome pages for more information.

Will the program find me a summer placement in the second summer?
Yes, the program director has many contacts in local public school districts and will help you secure a summer student teaching position. In addition, you may apply for paid positions at private school summer enrichment programs such as Aim High which educate public school children.

Do you get paid for the summer school teaching?
In most cases, public school summer school student teaching is unpaid. Aim High, Summerbridge, Magis, and similar programs pay a stipend.

Does the new partnership with University of the Pacific mean big changes for BATTI?
We are excited about this new partnership with California’s oldest chartered university. While maintaining our instructor group and evening classes in SF and Oakland, we gain good new instructors, new courses in special education and Master’s research, and access to an outstanding university’s resources. The most important change for prospective students, of course, is that they will now be able to gain a Master’s degree and a credential in two years.

How much will the program cost?
The costs will be about $24,000 for the five semester program for course fees, and an additional $500 for textbook and materials fees.

Can I get my masters degree in this program? What is involved in the masters work?
Yes, our Masters courses are built into the combined credential/masters course sequence. A masters project and oral exam will be required.

With a BATTI credential, will I be qualified to teach in public schools?
Half of BATTI graduates teach in public schools. Through your first year Observer/Participant work and summer school job you will gain public school experience. Your experience in both public and private schools and at many grade levels will be attractive to a public school principal.

Where are BATTI students getting jobs?
Since the first BATTI cohort graduated in June, 2004, teachers have found jobs at many private and public schools throughout the Bay Area. Please see our Annual Reports for further details.