Pre-Service is the first step in a series of steps that are required to become a teacher. Pre-Service delivers courses that provide a strong foundation for all new candidates as they transition into the classroom.
The program includes academic-based coursework, purposefully structured to expose teacher candidates to an inquiry environment, current research, educational philosophy, theory, pedagogy and practical resources to provide a foundation for their journey as future educators. Classes are face-to-face, online, or in a hybrid platform. Instructors are experts in their subject area and provide a learning environment that is collaborative and reflective as to create a candidate that is a self-starter and an independent learner.
"Thank you for such a great program too. This whole experience has really been life-changing for me. I feel so lucky!"
- Program Completer
If you are interested in the Pre-Service program please register for an information meetings by clicking here. During the meeting you will receive more details about the program and what steps need to be taken to continue with the enrollment process. In addition, the coordinator will set time aside for Q&A and for anyone that may have questions specific to their situation.
Please attend an information meeting to find out how to enroll in our 2025-26 Fall Pre-Service Cohorts.
Once you have completed sign up, you will receive the Zoom link information the day before the scheduled meeting.
Or watch our informational meeting below and complete this google form to receive the application for the PreService Program.
The Pre-Service Program consists of 8 classes (6 face-to-face or online and 2 asynchronous). Each course is 6-weeks long. In-person classes are held at the Los Angeles County Office of Education in Downey between 5-9 PM. The Fall and Spring classes are attended twice per week for a total of 18 weeks. Currently, all in-person classes will be online via Zoom. After the completion of Pre-Service, candidates must meet the following requirements to be "Intern Eligible."
- Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST and/or Coursework)
- Satisfy the Subject Matter Requirement (Pass the CSET or meet subject matter equivalency)
- Pass all Pre-Service Course with a Grade of B or Better
As an intern eligible candidate, an employer is now able to offer a candidate employment. Once a candidate is hired and employed, they will officially become "Intern Eligible" Click here for more information about the District Intern Program.
Course Descriptions
CURR 111: Teachers as Learners
This course will support pre-interns examine their own experiences as learners and how those opportunities influenced their beliefs as teachers. This course will introduce and explore elements of the California Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) as listed within the course outline. The TPEs will assist pre-interns in defining their roles as teachers as they explore their own educational philosophy, reflect on cultural diversity, and develop strategies to encourage productive interactions within their classroom while establishing a physically and emotionally safe environment.
CURR 112: Understanding the Physiology of Learning
This course will deepen pre-interns' understanding of the learning and thinking process with a focus on influences which foster and inhibit learning. Pre-Interns will explore current brain research paired with learning theories which support an understanding of the foundational elements of the learning process. Pre-Interns will be introduced to the stages of child development, as it relates to cognition and learning, and demonstrate their understanding of utilizing children's assets to engage and support their learning.
CURR 113: Creating Authentic Learning Environments
This course explores the influences of the environment and instruction on the learning community by developing instructional strategies for creating and adapting instruction to ensure access for all learners. Pre-Interns will explore the importance of developing a classroom environment that is safe, equitable and socially just. The importance of understanding the professional, legal, and ethical issues in education will be explored to support candidates in maintaining their commitment to their students and community.
CURR 114: Introduction to Multilingual Learners
This course is an introduction to preparing candidates to teach multilingual learners. Candidates will focus on the process of second language acquisition, including understanding the students’ academic readiness, language proficiency, cultural background, and prior experiences to enhance access to core curriculum. Pre-Interns will explore the English Language Development Standards, SDAIE strategies, and differentiated instruction to support culturally and linguistically diverse students.
CURR 119: Access for All LearnersThe course will address a variety of educational elements which influence our teaching of our diverse learning communities. Through this course pre-interns will explore classroom design, assessments, learning and teaching styles while learning to adapt their instructional plans, and provide differentiation needed to support access for all learning. Pre-interns will begin to learn how various assessment strategies will drive their instruction, including getting to know their students.
CURR 120: Preparing to Teach Reading
This course will explore instructional strategies and methods to teach the foundation of reading with an emphasis on effective early literacy instruction. Early literacy instruction is designed to include themes of foundational skills, meaning-making, language development, effective expression and content knowledge. Pre-Interns will also explore phonemic awareness, reading fluency, guided reading and the development of comprehension skills by using curriculum and content subject curriculum to develop and strengthen reading skills.
CURR 122: Developmental and Subject Appropriate PedagogyThis course will explore how to establish short and long term goals to support student learning as the candidates begin to learn how to design lesson plans.. Pre-Interns will explore a variety of instructional strategies designed to support access to PK-12 core curriculum both purchased and teacher made instructional materials while developing an understanding of accommodations and modifications designed to support the learning needs of all students.
TECH 110: Technology in the Classroom
In this course, Pre-interns will be introduced to technology tools, applications, resources and best practices for integrating technology into the classroom. The course teaches the candidates the fundamental technology skills for educators, adapting technologies, exploring resources, and the ways in which technology assists assessment. There is an emphasis on using educational technology to support or demonstrate content-specific learning.
The Pre-Service program provides competitive pricing which makes it an affordable program. Fees are to be paid in-full prior to attending program courses. Tuition covers all the courses in the cohort that the candidate has registered for only.
- There is a nonrefundable application fee of $300.
- Tuition* for the complete program is $1,200.
If an enrolled candidate drops out of the program and needs to reenroll, there will be a $300 charge to re-register into the program. In the case where a candidate fails a course or courses and need to re-take the course, there will be an additional charge of $150 per course.
* Tuition is refundable only if candidate formally drops from the program two (2) weeks prior to the start of the first course. To formally drop from the program, please contact the program coordinator.
NOTE: Program fees subject to change
Payment Information
All payments are to be made payable to LACOE - Beginning Teacher Programs (BTP) via credit/debit card only. BTP uses a third party -"Allpaid" platform - to make online credit/debit card payments. BTP currently incurs the "transaction fee" for candidate payments. **Therefore, the transaction is a free service to all BTP candidate payments.
**Please keep in mind that the "transaction fee," although presently a free service provided by BTP to candidates, may be subject to change as BTP finds it necessary.
There is a non-refundable transaction fee of 2.5%, even if the payment to which it relates is canceled, refunded, credited, or charged back. **The only exception to this policy is if BTP receives written notification immediately after the transaction is initiated and within a two (2) hour period after the payment is made.
Once all required and applicable submissions are complete above and submitted, you will be automatically enrolled in the credit card payment system.
Within 24-48 hours you will receive an email with directions on how to enroll into the credit card payment system and pay the fee.
Do I need to have a bachelor's degree to enroll in Pre-Service?
Yes. A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in the Pre-Service Program.
Do I need to complete the CBEST before enrolling in Pre-Service?
No. It does not need to be passed BEFORE enrolling in Pre-Service, but it will need to be completed before the end of the program in order to become "Intern Eligible."
How long does it take to complete Pre-Service?
The Fall and Spring Pre-Service sessions can be completed in 18-weeks if all requirements are met.
How do I retake a Pre-Service class if I did not pass it the first time?
Contact the Pre-Service Coordinator to re-enroll in the course and pay the $150 re-take fee.
How much does the Pre-Service Program cost?
Tuition for the Pre-Service Program is $1,200 and there is a $300 non-refundable application fee.
How do I obtain my transcripts for my work in the Pre-Service Program?
Click HERE to find directions on how to request Pre-Service transcript.
Do I have to pay for Pre-Service up front?
Yes. Tuition for Pre-Service is due up-front.
How do I enroll in the Pre-Service Program?
The first step in enrolling in the Pre-Service Program is to attend an Information Meeting. Click HERE to register now.
I obtained a letter of "Intent to Hire." What do I do next?
When the letter of "Intent to Hire" is obtained, the candidate should contact the District Intern Coordinator for information on next steps. perdomo_toni@lacoe.edu
I completed (or am currently completing) courses with another Pre-Service Program. Can I transfer from that program to the LACOE BTP Pre-Service Program?
Contact the District Intern Coordinator directly for more information: perdomo_toni@lacoe.edu
Do I need to pass both the CBEST and CSET exams before I enroll in Pre-Service?
No.
What happens if I don't obtain an interning position by August 31st?
You can either find another teacher preparation program or wait until the next academic year. If your Intern Eligibility Letter expires, reach out to Toni Perdomo perdomo_toni@lacoe.edu and she can issue you a new one. Advisement for the District Intern Program begins in May of each year.
Have questions about PreService?
Email us at BTPIntern@lacoe.edu
