English as a Second Language

Frequently Asked Questions for Individuals Interested in Becoming an ESL Teacher with the Division of Adult and Career Education (NEW HIRES)

General Information and Requirements for Individuals Interested in Teaching in ESL/CBET & Citizenship Classes for the Division of Adult and Career Education (New-Hires)

ESL/Citizenship Hiring Process

1.Where can I find out about job openings with the Divison of Adult and Career Education?

2. Do I need to have a teaching credential before I apply to teach ESL or citizenship preparation classes?

No, you do not need to have a teaching credential before you apply to teach. However, you must qualify for a credential.

To teach for DACE you must have one of the following:

• A qualifying credential
• a C-19 letter from a Local Education Agency (LEA) recommending you to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as being eligible to receive a credential.
• college coursework and a bachelor's degree as verified by official college transcripts that qualify you for the credential, along with a passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).

   

 3. Can I teach ESL or Citizenship for the Division of Adult and Career Education with an Emergency credential or 30-day Substitute Credential? 

No, the Division of Adult and Career Education does not accept Emergency or 30-day Substitute credentials.

4. Can I teach ESL or Citizenship for the Division of Adult and Career Education with an Intern or Community College Credential? 

No, the Division of Adult and Career Education does not accept Intern or Community College credentials.

5. Does the Division of Adult and Career Education accept Part-time credentials? 

No. The Division of Adult and Career Education only accepts Full-time teaching credentials.

6. Can I teach ESL or Citizenship for the Division of Adult and Career Education with a California K-12 teaching credential?  

In most cases, a K-12 teaching credential qualifies you to teach ESL or Citizenship with the Division.  

7. Can I teach ESL or Citizenship for the Division of Adult and Career Education with a Special Education Credential?

No

8. What is the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test)?

California Education Code specifies that teacher candidates must demonstrate, in English, proficiencyin basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Passage of the CBEST is one way to demonstrate this proficiency.

When you are processed, you will be required to bring an original copy of your CBEST card with you. CBEST information may be obtained from California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

9. Does everyone have to pass the CBEST? Basically, yes. Are there any exceptions?  Yes, ESL teacher applicants who already have a qualifying credential that was issued prior to February 1, 1983 are exempt. 

10. Who hires instructors?  The principals of the community adult schools, occupational centers, and skills centers hire teachers.

11. Will the adult school principal interview me? 

The initial contact and interview process may be done by an assistant principal responsible for ESL/CBET and/or Citizenship classes at the school.

12. When I apply for a teaching job, whom should I contact at the school?

Follow the instructions on the job announcement if you are applying for a specific job. If are applying for a substitute position, send your letter of interest and a resume to the principal.

13. How do I find out who the Principal is?

Principals are listed in this directory. Click here for a list of the telephone numbers and addresses of the schools.

14. I qualify to teach ESL, but I don’t have my credential yet. What can I do?  If a school wants to hire you, the Adult Personnel Credential Assistant will assist you in applying for a credential at the time of your processing.

15. What is a part-time assignment?  A part-time assignment is any teaching position that is 18 hours or less a week.

16.When are most classes offered? ESL classes are offered throughout the year. The most popular schedule is Monday through Thursday evenings. However, classes are offered mornings and afternoons as well as on Fridays and Saturdays.  Occasionally classes are offered on Sundays.

17. When are teachers hired?  Teachers are hired throughout the year.

18. What will be my starting salary?   

Click here for the Adult Hourly Rate Salary Scale.  If you are being hired for the first time in the Division of Adult and Career Education, you will begin on Step A.

19. How many hours do I need to teach before I qualify for benefits?

You may be eligible for benefits if you teach 18 hours a week. You do not qualify for benefits if you teach less than 18 hours a week.  Partial benefits include medical insurance for the employee and one dependent.

20. If I am eligible what do I need to do to start getting benefits? 

If you are eligible for benefits, you need to apply for them. Your benefits will start on the first day of the month after the month you apply.

21. How do I apply for benefits?  You can apply for benefits by calling 1-213-241-4262 or obtain information and forms at http://benefits.lausd.net.  To download the application click on the "Publications" link on the left side of the page, and then on the "Health Benefits Enrollment Form 2006" link in the "Forms" section.

22. If I have experience teaching in another school district, or have a Masters in TESOL, will that affect my starting salary?  No. All teachers begin their career with the Division of Adult and Career Education at Step A.

23. I was offered a teaching position.  Can I start work immediately? 

No. You must be processed before you can teach. After you are processed, you will receive a clearance and/or "congratulations" letter. Then you can begin teaching.

24. Do K-12 teachers who are currently working for LAUSD need to be processed? 

No.  If you are a K-12 teacher with a preliminary or clear K-12 credential and you are currently working as a teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District, you do not need to be processed.  However, you should call the ESL department to find out about upcoming staff development opportunities and to get resources that will help you as you begin your adult ESL teaching assignment. The number to call is (213) 241-3166.

 25. I was offered a position as an ESL substitute. I wanted a part-time assignment. Should I accept the substitute assignment?   

Of course this is your decision. However, there are several reasons to begin as an ESL substitute. Teaching as a substitute gives administrators at the school an opportunity to observe you in the classroom and may lead to a teaching assignment. When you are processed as a substitute, you will receive an LAUSD employee number.  Once you have that number, you can apply for other ESL teaching assignments, and if offered a position, you will be able to begin working quickly.

 26. How many hours can I teach as a substitute teacher?

You can teach up to 59 hours per pay period as a substitute teacher.

27. How do I make an appointment to be processed? 

After you have been offered an assignment and have signed Form 1000 "greenie", call (213) 241-3177 to make an appointment for processing.

28. What do I need to bring to the processing appointment?  You will need to bring:

1. Your Form 1000 “greenie” (the work assignment from the school)
2. Your original CBEST test documents
3. Your qualifying California Teaching Credential or C-19 letter*
4. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States (required of all new-hires – U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card, or combination of California Drivers License with Social Security card or birth certificate) All "eligibility to work" documents must be originals.
5. Copies of transcripts that show the appropriate coursework.  Transcripts that are printed from an online source can be used.
6. *If you will be applying for a credential at the time of processing you will also need to bring:

• A complete set of sealed OFFICIAL transcripts from a United States college or university showing that you have the appropriate English coursework and any other coursework necessary. Transcripts that are printed from an online source CANNOT be used.  Any transcripts from a foreign university have to be officially evaluated by a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved translation and evaluation service.  See the CCTC website at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl635.html for a list of accredited agencies.
• Two Postal money orders for the necessary fees.  One money order will be for $55 and the other for $95.  (Do not write in a name for "payee” on the money orders.  Leave that part of the form blank. It will be filled in after it is determined that you qualify for the credential)

29. What are the credential fees for? 

There are costs associated with applying for a credential. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing charges $55 for the credential. The Local Education Agency (LEA) requires a fee of $95 to complete the processing and make the recommendation to the Commission for your credential.

 30. Can I pay the credential fees with a personal check? 

No. Only money orders are accepted. If you are applying for a credential at the time of your processing appointment, you will need to bring two postal money orders with you – one for $55 and one for $95. The “payee” should be left blank until it is determined that you qualify for the credential.

31. What coursework do I need to qualify for an Adult Designated Subject teaching credential with an ESL authorization and teach for the Division of Adult and Career Education?

All candidates who need an Adult Designated Subjects teaching credential with an ESL authorization must have the following coursework:

*20 semester/30 quarter units of English or

*10 semester/15 quarter of upper-division (usually numbered 300 and above) English coursework or

*8 semester/12 quarter units of English and 12 semester/18 quarter units of foreign language, speech, linguistics, teaching reading, bilingual/bicultural studies, or TESOL/TESL or

*4 semester /6 quarter units of upper-division English coursework and 6 upper- division semester/9 quarter units of foreign language, speech, linguistics, teaching reading, bilingual/bicultural studies, or TESOL/TESL

The Los Angeles Unified School District accepts only one “D” grade in the 20 semester units. Courses taken at a two-year college must be transferable to a four-year institution. Only one “teaching reading” course is accepted. All courses must be from an accredited university or college.

32. I already have a Full-Time Adult Designated Subjects Credential with an ESL Authorization issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Do I need to have the English units?

Yes. The requirements to teach for the Division of Adult and Career Education include this English coursework requirement that is not required by the CTC.

33. Are there any other fees?

There is a fee for fingerprinting. The fees are $32 for “school district fingerprints” and $56 for fingerprints for the State of California. These fees are taken out of your first three paychecks.

34. Do I need to get a physical and a TB test before I can work?

Yes. You must complete a physical and a TB test before you can work. You will receive the forms you must take to your physician when you are processed. The physician or health provider must complete the forms and put them in a sealed envelope. You can mail or hand-deliver the sealed medical and TB forms to LAUSD Employee Health Services at 333 S. Beaudry Avenue, 14th floor, Los Angeles 90017.

35. After being processed, how long does it take before I can work?

Processing can take anywhere from 2 days to 4 weeks, and sometimes even longer.  The speed with which you are cleared to work may depend on how quickly you submit the medical and TB forms, if you are also applying for a credential and the amount of time needed to clear your fingerprints.

36. How will I know when I can begin to work?

When you receive a credential clearance and/or a “congratulations” letter from the Division, you are cleared to work. Do not start to work before you have cleared.

http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CAW-exams.html#CBEST

Download Division of Adult and Career Education Bulletin No. 59 which lists the requirements for Teaching English as a Second Language and Citizenship Program as a .pdf file.

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updated April 13, 2010