Program Sequence by Pathway
TISP Offers two pathways to the clear credential: Traditional and Early Completion Option (ECO). Both pathways of the TISP program are unique to each participating teacher and emphasize reflection and evidence of growth towards mastery of the CSTP, rather than proficiency in completing the paperwork of the Individual Learning Plan.
Traditional Pathway (2-year program): The Teacher Induction and Support Program is designed to be a supportive and intensive two-year program. Most candidates for the clear credential participate in this pathway, characterized by ongoing reflective conversations and regular opportunities for observation and feedback, averaging no less than one hour per week. The mentor moves fluidly amongst four mentoring stances: Coaching, Collaborating, Consulting, and Calibrating, with the goal of spending most time in the Coaching and Collaborating stances as the teacher gains confidence and proficiency as they work towards mastery of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. In this pathway, most participating teachers identify two complementary professional goals in alignment with their evaluation standards. Mentors support participating teachers in identifying appropriate research targeting these goals and facilitate approximately four focused cycles of inquiry designed to enhance teaching practice. Participating teachers in this pathway may spend a significant amount of their meeting time receiving "just in time" support, asking questions and presenting problems they encounter that may or may not relate to their professional goals, and building their professional toolkit as the mentor provides resources, answers questions, models, and facilitates reflection. The Individual Learning Plan is adjusted as needed to ensure time for this critical work.
Early Completion Option (ECO) Pathway (accelerated 1-year program): Select participating teachers may be eligible to participate in the Early Completion Option pathway. Eligible teachers are not only experienced (having been the teacher of record for two or more years in the area authorized by the preliminary credential), but possess a clearly documented record of exceptional practice, evidenced by at least two rigorous standards-based evaluations and the recommendation of their current administrator (and the adminsitrator most familiar with the teacher's practice, in the case of staffing changes or a change in school site). Participating teachers in this pathway require minimal "just in time" support. Weekly meetings are often teacher-lead and focused on the independent research of the teacher. The mentor is generally in the Coaching stance, and occassionally in the Collaborating stance (Mentoring Stances). Classroom instruction shows high levels of proficiency in all of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession, evidenced by a safe and welcoming classroom environment with high levels of student engagement and learning. Instruction is carefully designed and organized to be student-centered and rigorous, and students demostrate independence, autonomy, and collaboration. Teachers eligible for ECO are reflective practitioners who identify their own areas for growth and are focused in and dedicated to their quest to improve their practice. ECO participating teachers often craft three professional goals and work towards them by engaging in eight focused cycles of inquiry. Additional tools are collaboratively selected by the participating teacher and mentor to target identified areas of growth. Their reflections show a depth of understanding, self-analysis, and ongoing changes in teaching practice based upon careful analysis of varied sources of student data.
