FAQ
Below are answers to a few frequently asked questions that may provide clarity on the unique aspects of Fortune School of Education. If you have questions that aren’t addressed in this section, please contact us directly at 916.924.8633 or by e-mail.
Am I really able to teach while I am earning my credential?
Yes. In fact, that’s the whole idea behind our teacher credential program. Students may only enter the District Intern Program once they have passed the CBEST and CSET exams, successfully completed the Pre-Service Program, and found a job in a consortium school or district. Our students are simultaneously employed as a teacher of record in the classroom while completing coursework. Our model is about becoming an effective teacher through practical experience.
Are Fortune School interns serving as substitute teachers in the classroom?
No. Fortune School students serve as the official teacher of record in their classrooms.
Does Fortune School find a job for me?
It is your responsibility to find a teaching position in a consortium school/district. While Fortune School is not responsible for finding you a teaching position, we do provide assistance with job placement. Our job placement services are exclusively for Pre-Service participants and Early Completion Option candidates who are SUBJECT MATTER COMPETENT. Written verification of subject matter competency in the form of exam results or a waiver letter is required.
Job placement services may include:
• Job Fairs
• Job Placement Advising
• Interview Prep Workshops
• Referrals for Teaching Positions
Do I need a job to participate in Fortune School’s Teacher Credential Program?
Yes. Students need to secure a full-time teaching contract with a consortium school/district, teaching 60-70% of class time in the subject area for your credential. See a list of partner school districts.
What is the average salary for a district intern?
Each school district’s salary scale varies. Specific salary and benefit information can be found on each district’s website. Fortune School does not govern salaries or benefits.
How do I pay for tuition?
As a Fortune School student, you will have a full-time teaching assignment, earning a full-time salary. Most consortium school districts participate in our payroll deduction tuition plan, which is the tuition payment method for all District Interns. After 8-16 equal monthly payments (depending on your program and payment plan agreement), tuition is paid in full without having to qualify for a loan or incur any interest.
Is a credential earned through Fortune School the same as a credential earned through a university?
Yes. Fortune School of Education has received initial accreditation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Graduates of our credential programs earn the same credential earned by teachers who complete a traditional university teacher preparation program. A teaching credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is accepted in all public schools systems in the State of California and U.S. states that accept California teaching credential.
Who teaches the courses?
Fortune School offers courses that are relevant to today’s classroom, taught by well-regarded faculty and practitioners active in the field of education.
Will I receive support when teaching as a district intern?
Yes. A very important characteristic of Fortune School is the quality of support offered to students. Each student will have a Mentor Teacher, assigned by the school site, whose role is to develop a sustained mentoring relationship with the student throughout their one or two-year training period. In addition, a Field Supervisor from Fortune School will visit the student’s classroom at least six times a year to assess his/her teaching performance. Our program staff provides you with guidance and support throughout your experience at Fortune School of Education. Finally, all students take classes with the same cohort, or group of students, from Pre-Service to the end of the program, as a means of peer support.
When does Fortune School coursework begin?
Fortune School of Education offers Pre-Service twice (spring and summer) each year. To earn a teaching credential through the District Intern Program, a participant must successfully complete 170 hours of Pre-Service courses as a prerequisite to acceptance to the program. Coursework for the District Intern Program begins in the fall term.
Where are Fortune School classes held?
Fortune School classes are held on-site at our Bay Area and Sacramento campuses.
Is Fortune School affiliated with a university?
Fortune School is an independent, non-profit Local Education Agency (LEA) that is authorized as a program sponsor by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Will I receive an official transcript?
Yes. Fortune School maintains all student records. Students receive unofficial transcripts at the conclusion of the Fall and Spring semesters and an official transcripts upon completion of program. Transcripts are also available throughout the year upon request.
Does Fortune School accept units from other teacher preparation programs?
Fortune School does not accept units from other teacher preparation programs.
Does the district intern program include English learner certification?
Yes. Fortune School has complied with the California accreditation requirements for SB 2042 and AB 1059 to offer Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Special Education credentials with English Learner Certification embedded, which includes required credential course curriculum on new teacher training of strategies for successfully teaching English Language Learners.
Do I have to pass the CBEST and subject matter competency tests to enter the District Intern program?
CBEST: YES. A passing score on the CBEST exam is required for all teachers prior to entering a California classroom, thus it is a Fortune School application requirement. For CBEST information, please visit www.cbest.nesinc.com.
CSET: YES. For single subject candidates the subject test(s) is required to obtain the California teaching credential if the applicant does not have the 100% waiver letter from an accredited California university. The CSET is required for Special Education candidates if the applicant does not have a waiver letter verifying completion of an approved NCLB core academic subject area program from an accredited California university. For CSET information, please visit: www.cset.nesinc.com.
To have your transcripts analyzed to see if you qualify for a waiver letter from a California university, please call the School of Education at a University of California or California State University campus.
How do I prepare for the CBEST and subject examinations?
For sample CBEST test questions and test specifications, please refer to the registration bulletin or visit the CBEST Web site at www.cbest.nesinc.com.
Test guides for the CSET are available at www.cset.nesinc.com.