FCSS Teacher Early Completion Option (ECO)

Eligibility Information

The ECO program was designed to allow experienced and exceptional candidates, who meet the eligibility criteria listed below, to complete Teacher Induction in one year rather than the traditional two-year induction program. This is an application process. The reviewing panel takes into consideration all submitted application materials and teacher performance across all CSTPs with an emphasis on CSTP 6 and CSTP 2.6 as foundational attributes demonstrated by candidates applying for this option. In addition, there is an emphasis on the candidate’s knowledge and demonstration of checking for understanding and student engagement for all students.  

The eligibility criteria to apply for early completion includes the following:

  • A minimum of three full years (August/September to June) prior successful teaching experience as the teacher of record in a Preschool-Grade 12 (ECSE & ATP also included) teaching assignment based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). Assignment changes during the year will not meet eligibility. 
    • Various substitute positions and/or student teaching shall NOT be counted. 
    • Itinerant positions may, or may not, meet eligibility (contact Induction Staff).
    • Out of state and/or country experience may, or may not, meet eligibility (contact Induction Staff).
  • Teaching in the classroom for the entire 24-25 school year, in addition to the previous three full years mentioned above. One full year equivalent shall be defined as having worked under contract for at least 75% of the number of days assigned for each complete district school year, by the school district in which you are employed. For example, if your school district's complete school year consists of 185 contracted duty days, you will need to have worked at least 138.75 days (75% of 185) to meet the requirement of 1 full year. Any days missed due to any type of paid or unpaid leave will not count towards fulfilling the 75% requirement. If you were out on any type of leave during your three full years of teaching, please contact staff prior to applying.

Other considerations that require prior approval from the FCSS Teacher Induction Staff to complete and submit an application:

  • A teaching assignment that is not full time and/or does not match your current credential.
  • If you have multiple credentials to clear.
  • If you have a unique teaching assignment. (A unique teaching situation/assignment will likely warrant completion of a two-year induction program.)

If you meet the basic eligibility criteria and would like to be considered to participate in the application process, CLICK HERE to get started.