Integrated Program
SDTA’s program is designed for individuals who are committed to becoming teachers! Our unique university-school district partnership provides you with the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited university and a California teaching credential - Two essential requirements for classroom educators. In addition, mentored work experiences while you are in the program ensure that you are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and professional networks that you will need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your future students.
The competency based, online instructional model of our university partner provides students with the flexibility to study at the time and pace that best fits your schedule. Advance quickly through subjects you’ve already mastered while engaging more deeply in less familiar areas of study. Schedule your coursework around work and family commitments so that you are able to maximize your potential and see your degree through to completion.
Flexible Schedule
Apprenticeship is a critical part of any successful professional preparation program. SDTA’s partnership with San Diego Unified School District provides you with the opportunity to work alongside expert teachers as a paid paraprofessional, after school support provider, or classroom aide while pursuing your BA degree. After completing your degree you will be eligible for SDUSD’s internship program which allows you to work full time as a paid classroom teacher of record while earning your California teaching credential.
Earn While You Learn
The low cost of the degree program allows students to graduate debt-free. At just $5500 per year, the degree program program can be fully covered by federal Pell Grants for eligible students. There are no hidden fees or textbook costs. And because the competency based model allows you to work at your own pace, you may be able to progress more quickly through the program and lower costs even further. Additional scholarship funding may also be available.
Affordable
Personalized Support
SDTA’s mentors will be with you on every step of your journey to becoming a teacher. Your mentor will coach you through your university coursework by providing academic support and enrichment, offering clarification and encouragement, and cheering your successes. And that same mentor will coach you in the K-12 classroom, helping you to apply what you learned in your university coursework, working with you to design engaging and rigorous learning experiences for your students, observing your instruction and providing feedback and critique, and equipping you with the reflective skills needed to continue to grow as a professional educator and life-long learner.
Collaborative Community
In addition to your SDTA mentor, you’ll be supported throughout the program by a collaborative community of like-minded students and education professionals who are committed to your success. Study groups, academic enrichment activities, professional conferences and lectures, and social gatherings will enrich your learning experience and strengthen your professional journey. Make lifelong friends and build strong professional networks through the people you meet at SDTA.
Through this unique partnership, SDUSD will be able to encourage and nurture a diverse pool of teaching candidates in a special program that will prepare them to return to our communities and teach San Diego's amazing youth.
Cheryl Hibbeln
Executive Director of Secondary Schools
San Diego Unified School District
Frequently Asked Questions
What is College for America?
College for America (CfA) is a project-based, online degree program within the nonprofit, fully accredited Southern New Hampshire University. CfA is dedicated to radically expanding access and quality of higher education by offering college degrees that are competency-based, low-cost, and relevant to employer needs. CfA was established to give working adults and students a better way to earn a college degree based on what they prove they know and can do (ie, competencies)—not how many lectures they have sat through (ie, credit hours). CfA is designed to remove the three major barriers to college degree completion: high costs, inflexible schedules that don’t work for the majority of people, and learning outcomes that are not applicable to the workplace.
What does “competency-based” education mean?
CfA is organized around competencies rather than traditional courses. Competencies are can-do statements such as: Student can define and use marketing terminology and concepts, can generate a variety of approaches to addressing a problem, and can convey information by creating charts and graphs. Students in the A.A. degree programs are required to master 120 core competencies. Students in the Bachelor’s programs will master 120 advanced competencies, many of which are specific to their area of study, in addition to completing an accredited associate’s degree.
What degree will be on my diploma?
At graduation, you’ll receive an official degree from Southern New Hampshire University. In addition, you’ll receive two transcripts: a College for America transcript that reflects the mastered competencies, and a traditional course transcript from Southern New Hampshire University.
Can I transfer my AA degree into the program?
Students interested in CfA’s BA programs can submit a completed associate’s degree from an accredited college to be reviewed for transferability. Sixty or more credits from an accredited college may also be submitted for review.
Is the degree transferrable to other programs and institutions?
Yes. You’ll earn a CfA transcript that reflects the mastered competencies and a traditional course transcript from SNHU. NOTE: As with all accredited programs, acceptance of transfer credits is at the discretion of each university. Please inquire with your universities of choice to confirm acceptance.
How will I access the online degree coursework?
All students enrolled in the program will be provided with a netbook for use with their coursework. Additionally, the SDTA Learning Commons, located on the campus of Roosevelt Middle School, will have desktop computers, study space, and a learning lounge where students can gather to work on course projects and meet with mentors.
What credentials can I earn through this program?
The program is designed for aspiring educators who want to become elementary (multiple subjects), bilingual (BCLAD), and special education (education specialist) teachers. Credentials are awarded through the San Diego Unified School District’s internship program.
Is the credential transferrable to other districts and states?
A California teaching credential is valid in public K-12 districts across the state. California has reciprocity agreements with most states across the U.S. However, each state has an independent licensing agency and you would need to apply to that agency when seeking to transfer out-of-state. Learn More +
Will I automatically be eligible for SDUSD’s teacher intern program?
To be eligible for the SDUSD intern program, SDTA students must successfully complete the BA degree program, pass the relevant CBEST and CSET exams, and receive a positive recommendation from their pre-intern fieldwork supervisor.
What happens if I decide I don’t want to become a teacher?
If, during the program, you decide that you no longer want to pursue teaching, you can apply to transfer to one of CfA’s other degree programs Learn More +
Where is SDTA located?
The SDTA Learning Commons is located on the campus of Roosevelt Middle School near Balboa Park -- 3366 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103.
What is the cost of the Teacher Academy program?
The degree program costs $5,500 per year ($3,000 CfA tuition + $2,500 for Teacher Academy in-person support and mentoring). Federal financial aid is available. For full Pell grant recipients, college tuition is free for students.
Is financial aid available?
Federal financial aid is available through SNHU for all degree programs to those who qualify. In addition, some tuition assistance may be available through local foundation support. Please contact the Teacher Academy for more information
What requirements do I need to be eligible for the program?
Applicants need to have graduated high school in good academic standing. There are no SAT or minimum GPA requirements. All applicants will need to complete an online application and participate in an interview with SDUSD and SDTA team members. Additionally, prior to enrollment in the program, all participants will need to complete a fingerprint clearance and TB test, in accordance with SDUSD policy.
When can I start?
There are three starting points each year.
Additional questions???
Please contact us at info@sandiegoteacheracademy.org
Fall: Start Date – September 1
Winter: Start Date – January 1
Summer: Start Date – June 1
Application Deadline – July 1
Application Deadline – November 1
Application Deadline – July 1
Randi Weingarten
President of the American Federation of Teachers
Diversity is a key component to equality and opportunity. Where there’s a
diverse teaching workforce,
all kids thrive.
