PLACE Information / Application

If a person is interested in the PLACE Corps, what is the first step?

After submitting the information above, will I hear from the PLACE Corps office?

How do I get more information on the PLACE Corps?

What if I am interested in the program, but am not yet eligible to apply (or if I am not sure I want to apply for the next cohort)?

When are applications available?

About how many students apply?

I have heard that the PLACE Corps is very competitive. Is that true?

Are PLACE Corps applications available on-line?

Should persons interested in the PLACE Corps contact LMU’s Graduate Division?

When are PLACE Corps applications due?

Can interested persons meet with PLACE Corps members or graduates?

What is the next step after a person applies to the PLACE Corps?

Will all applicants to the PLACE Corps be interviewed?

Does the PLACE Corps offer master’s degrees in Special Education or Catholic Inclusion?

What is the overall time commitment?

Is there any vacation time during the two-year commitment?

How does the PLACE Corps compare to other teaching service corps?

What might be considered unique about the PLACE Corps?

Are there other dates of which an applicant should be aware?

What happens after the two-year commitment to the PLACE Corps?

PLACEr / Candidate Profile

What is the profile of a typical PLACEr?

What can I do now to better prepare myself as a candidate for the PLACE Corps?

Must the applicant to the PLACE Corps be Catholic?

Is it true that PLACErs must remain unmarried while in the program?

Will the PLACE Corps ever accept married applicants?

Which majors will the program accept?

What is the average undergraduate GPA of PLACE Corps acceptance?

What if my GPA is below 2.8?

CA Credential and Testing

What are the fields in which an applicant can currently earn a credential at LMU while being a member of the PLACE Corps?

What if a potential candidate already has an out-of state credential and wants to teach high school in something other than the “big five?”

I heard there were some recent changes in the California tests. What are the changes and where can I get the latest information on these changes?

Are there ways, other than passing tests, to demonstrate subject competency? 

What if I already have taken most of the education classes – except for student teaching? Should I do my student teaching as planned or will teaching in the PLACE Corps satisfy that credential requirement? 

Can I apply to the PLACE Corps if I already have a teaching credential?

I heard that all teachers need to have their fingerprints taken. How does that apply to me?

Do students need to take the GRE in order to apply to the PLACE Corps?

Teaching Assignments

Can a candidate still teach high school even though he/she did not major in one of the “big five” subjects in which the California credential can be earned at LMU (English, foreign language, mathematics, science, and social studies)?

My academic background includes religious studies. As a PLACE Corps member, may I teach high school religion?

What is an “appropriate” PLACEment?

Does every accepted candidate have a teaching position?

Will a candidate know where they are teaching in advance (before the dealine for the commitment)?

Finances & Benefits

Do PLACE Corps members have an income?

Do PLACErs receive a salary?

Do PLACE Corps members receive health insurance benefits?

What expenses are PLACErs expected to cover?

How difficult is it to get through the summer financially?

I heard this was a “free” masters. Is that true?

What if I have already earned an AmeriCorps educational award?

Living & Transportation

Where do PLACE Corps teachers serve?

Where do PLACErs live?

In terms of housing, what is provided by the PLACE Corps?

Do PLACErs need a car?

Is there anything else a PLACEr needs?

I heard that the PLACE Corps may be expanding its geographical area to serve in the "valley," a bit more north in the Archdiocese. Is this true and how does it impact the program?

Is it true that the PLACE Corps may serve in Hawaii in the near future? If yes, what will that look like?

PLACE Information / Application

If a person is interested in the PLACE Corps, what is the first step? First, read through all of the Frequently Asked Questions.

Then:
• Make certain that you have explored every aspect of the PLACE Corps website.
• Check the Loyola Marymount University website to learn more about the University.
• Look over the Graduate Division Bulletin for more information on LMU’s SOE master's and credentialing programs.
• Check the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) for information on the CBEST and the CSET.

If, after looking over all of the above, you are still interested in learning more about the PLACE Corps, contact the PLACE Corps office by contacting the PLACE Corps office and providing the information requested.
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After submitting the information above, will I hear from the PLACE Corps office?
If you email the PLACE Corps office with your information, you will receive acknowledgement that you have been entered into the database. According to the database information, anyone who is eligible to apply to the upcoming PLACE Corps cohort (has graduated from college or will have graduated from college by June of the year the person would enter the program) will receive a letter in late October or early November with information regarding information nights, recruitment fairs, etc. Also included will be a timeline for the application process. If you have not heard from the PLACE Corps office via mail or e-mail by the time applications are available, contact the PLACE Corps office and an application will be sent to you.
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How do I get more information on the PLACE Corps?
At your request, an information packet can be sent to you. Please allow two weeks to have your request processed and the information to arrive. This same information will be available/distributed at information nights/recruitment fairs.
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What if I am interested in the program, but am not yet eligible to apply (or if I am not sure I want to apply for the next cohort)?
E-mail the PLACE Corps office and ensure you are in the database.  Keep the office apprised of information updates if there are any changes in your information so that we can update the database. In the meantime, continue working on all of those things that will make you a better PLACE Corps candidate.
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When are applications available?
Applications are first available at Application Night here at LMU on the second Tuesday of November at 7pm. By mid-November, prospective out-of-the-area candidates may request to have an application mailed. Otherwise, applications can be picked up in the PLACE Corps office on the second floor of LMU’s University Hall (Room 2442).
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About how many students apply?
Usually, there are over 100 applications distributed with an average return rate of 75 applicants.
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I have heard that the PLACE Corps is very competitive. Is that true?
The PLACE Corps office staff has been impressed with the quality of the applications reviewed. There are many factors that go into acceptance (see PLACEr/Candidate Profile FAQ). The PLACE Corps’ goal is to accept 25 members into the next cohort, pending availability of sufficient and appropriate teaching positions in the PLACE Corps partnering schools. Anyone with a heart for service who wants to teach in a Catholic school in Los Angeles is encouraged to apply. While it is possible that a very qualified candidate will not be accepted due to lack of an appropriate PLACEment, it cannot be emphasized enough: If the PLACE Corps is something a candidate really wants to do, the advice is to "go for it." 
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Are PLACE Corps applications available on-line?
No, applications are not available on-line. The application itself is lengthy with various color-coded components of the application involving a variety of people/entities. We have no plans at this point to create an on-line version of the PLACE Corps application.
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Should persons interested in the PLACE Corps contact LMU’s Graduate Division?
It is not necessary to contact the Graduate Division. Included in the PLACE Corps application is the application to the LMU Graduate Division. All details and instructions for completing the both the Graduate Division application and the PLACE Corps application are included in the PLACE Corps application packet.
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When are PLACE Corps applications due?
All applications are due on January 31st. A notation will be made of any application arriving incomplete or late (beyond 1/31).
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Can interested persons meet with PLACE Corps members or graduates?
Identical information nights at LMU, scheduled on consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in mid-October, provide excellent opportunites for prospective candidates to meet with current PLACErs, and sometimes PLACE Alumni.  In addition, there is representation by the PLACE Corps at graduate/volunteer/education fairs at colleges and universities throughout the country. Please check the LMU recruitment schedule for the LMU information nights as well as the other colleges/universities recruitment schedule to see if a PLACE Corps representative (a staff member and/or program participant) will be in your area.

Any person who submits an application is "liaisoned" with a current PLACEr who will be available to answer additional questions and provide participant insight.
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What is the next step after a person applies to the PLACE Corps?
Notification that the application was received will be sent by the PLACE Corps office along with a note thanking you for its completeness or referencing any missing item(s). Information regarding interviews will be sent to the appropriate applicants after an initial paper screening.
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Will all applicants to the PLACE Corps be interviewed?
Unfortunately, the PLACE Corps will not be able to offer an interview to all those who apply. All applicants accepted into the program, however, will have completed the interview process. Interviews will take place in late February and early March in Boston, Chicago, and possibly Seattle and Hawaii. Interviews will be conducted at LMU in Los Angeles as well during the same time period (see the sample admissions calendar for specific interview dates).
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Does the PLACE Corps offer master’s degrees in Special Education or Catholic Inclusion?

Yes, the PLACE Corps has worked with the School of Education to develop an academic program for both Special Education and Catholic Inclusion. These master’s degrees are available to students with or without a formal background in education coursework.
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What is the overall time commitment?
For each cohort, the full-time commitment to the program begins the third week of June of the entrance year (see Sample Admissions Calendar). The commitment ends on the last Monday of June two years (plus a few days) later.
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Is there any vacation time during the two-year commitment?
Yes, several. PLACErs have the LMU academic year to consider as well as the calendar of the school at which the PLACEr is assigned. The holiday breaks of LMU and the PLACEr school do not always coincide, but in general, PLACErs can annually expect at least a two week break in August and a traditional academic Christmas vacation.
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How does the PLACE Corps compare to other teaching service corps?
All of the programs associated with the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE) have, as a common goal, the promotion and support of Catholic education. Each of the programs in the UCCE partnership is based on three pillars:professional development (education as a graduate student and classroom teaching), spiritual development (retreats, Masses, etc.) and community(program activities and household communities). Each program has its own unique approach to incorporating the common pillars. The fifteeen UCCE programs are found throughout the country, each with specific geographic areas it serves.
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What might be considered unique about the PLACE Corps?
In terms of professional development, the PLACE Corps is able to offer a multi-level credential (licensure/certification) option. LMU’s PLACE Corps offers credentials in both multiple subjects (elementary K-8) and single subject (junior high departmentalized or secondary level). In addition, the PLACE Corps offers master's degree programs in Education, Literacy, and Special Education and/or Catholic Inclusion. Most LMU teacher preparation programs, including the PLACE Corps, have a BCLAD (bilingual) certification option; in Los Angeles especially, second language fluency can be put to good use. While some programs list as an acceptance prerequisite either prior academic preparation for teaching and/or licensure, PLACE Corps does not.

All coursework that is part of the academic program at LMU is provided on-site at the LMU campus with professors from the School of Education.  Professors are accessible with reasonable office hours.  Campus facilities available on a daily basis to LMU graduate students include: library, computer labs, and a state-of-the-art recreational center.  To provide additional support, the PLACE Corps office is generally open late on Monday nights when the PLACErs are most likely to be on campus for their evening class(es). 

All PLACErs teach in schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (unless serving in PLACE-Hawaii), creating a sense of unity in that all of the teacher are working within the same system.  Many of the elementary students -- once taught by PLACErs -- are now being taught by PLACErs in local high schools.  More often than not, a PLACEr will have other PLACE Corps teachers at his/her school.  There are schools in the LA partnership with as many as seven current and/or alumni PLACErs on staff, all able to provide each other additional support.    

As per the spiritual pillar, the PLACE Corps has semi-annual retreats in contrasting settings: the summer begins with a retreat at one of the coastal California missions, while the winter retreat is held in the local (and sometimes snowy) mountains.  During the summer, PLACErs attend Mass together on a weekly basis and during the school year the large group attends Mass together on a monthly basis.  
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Are there other dates of which an applicant should be aware?
Please refer to the sample admissions calendar on the PLACE Corps web pages.  Along with acceptance into the PLACE Corps is the understanding that the candidate will be able to fully participate in the entirety of the Welcome Orientation and all retreats.  The academic program has its own time commitment requirements that are imbedded into the program.
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What happens after the two-year commitment to the PLACE Corps?
There are many opportunities in Los Angeles to continue service at the current PLACE school, other PLACE schools, other Catholic schools, or in public/charter schools.  PLACE Alumni have a myriad of opportunities to remain involved in the PLACE Corps, including continuing teaching as a “free agent” at a PLACE Corps partnering school, assisting on retreats as a team leader, or being involved as a community support person.  After graduation, PLACErs are often known to continue living with each other in new community settings as a result of the friendships developed while in the program.  The PLACE-Hawaii program may be considered another post-PLACE option.  And there is all of Los Angeles, with many stimulating cultural and professional opportunities beyond PLACE Corps.
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PLACEr / Candidate Profile

What is the profile of a typical PLACEr?
Most PLACErs have graduated from college within the last five years. While many are alumni of LMU, PLACErs come from all over the country, with current and alumni PLACErs coming from 25 different home states and having graduated from nearly sixty colleges and universities. The PLACE Corps has welcomed members from other countries as well. PLACErs have every imaginable major. Most are Catholic, having some Catholic school background and/or involvement in their church or faith. Most have been active in campus co-curriculars or have had some outside service or job affiliations.  All PLACErs are unmarried when they enter the program and remain such until after completion of the program.  PLACErs are from a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to Caucasian, African American, Aisan American/Pacific Islander, and Mexican/Central/Latin American. 
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What can I do now to better prepare myself as a candidate for the PLACE Corps?
Do your homework. There are over a dozen programs like the PLACE Corps across the nation (check the UCCE Website to get information about the other Catholic education partnership programs). It is in a candidate's best interest to investigate other programs and then make an informed decision. Many who check out the other programs find that LMU's PLACE Corps has much to offer and the LA-based program becomes their top choice as they consider other teacher service corps.

If a potential candidate is currently living in California, he/she should take and pass all portions of the CBEST. This is a state-required pre-service test that all who intend to teach in California must pass. All candidates living in California should have passed the CBEST by the time they are interviewed. There are some out-of-state locations where the test is offered (and many out-of-state candidates take this California test). However, it is not expected that an out-of-state candidate will have this task completed until AFTER he/she is accepted into the program. The out-of-state candidate who is accepted into the program must show proof of registration for the CBEST when he/she arrives to begin the summer program.

Similar to the CBEST, candidates currently living in California are expected to have passed all sections of the appropriate CSET in either multiple subjects or the appropriate single subject. The CSET requirement for out-of-state candidates will be treated the same as the CBEST for out-of-state (see above).

In addition to demonstrating mastery (or potential for mastery) of subject matter, the best candidates for the PLACE Corps have demonstrated a heart for service, have experience working with young people, and evidence of living their faith.
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Must the applicant to the PLACE Corps be Catholic?
Although Loyola Marymount University is a Catholic institution and PLACErs serve in under-resourced Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, PLACErs do not need to be Catholic. While most PLACErs are Catholic, there are several in the program who are not.
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Is it true that PLACErs must remain unmarried while in the program?
Yes, the PLACErs must remain unmarried while in the program.  The PLACE Corps requires a full-time commitment to living in community with other PLACErs, and because this is an integral component of the program, the program can only accept candidates who are able to make this commitment.
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Will the PLACE Corps ever accept married applicants?
In the future, the PLACE Corps may consider including a sub-cohort of non-traditional members. This would be for those who have had considerable life experience and possibly be married, perhaps own their own home, transitioning between careers, etc. The vision for this group is that they would form their own support community that meets on a weekly basis. These persons would take the same courses, teach in the same schools, be included in the same large group activities as the rest of the cohort -- just not live in PLACE Corps communities. Members in this category would receive a living allowance supplement. Please note that this is a consideration that is still within the exploration phase.
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Which majors will the program accept?
The PLACE Corps accepts applicants with majors that run the full gamut: animation, anthropology, biology, communications, engineering, English, history, liberal studies (education), mathematics, performing arts, political science, pre-med, Spanish, theology, women's studies -- you name it!  However, you will be asked to declare a teaching level/field preference that must correspond to your stated credential goal.

Realistically, an applicant interested in teaching high school (single subject credential) must request to teach in a field in which he/she can demonstrate content competency before acceptance into the program. When the candidate has a major that falls within the "big five" credential subjects (English, foreign language, mathematics, science, social studies) it is easier to demonstrate competency than if the candidate's major does not.  For instance, if an applicant were an accounting major and wishes to teach high school (or junior high) mathematics, the applicant must pass the CSET in math before being accepted into the program.  The candidate would ultimately be placed in a school to serve in a mathematics teaching position.

If a person is determined to teach in a single subject area that was not his/her undergraduate major, that person should spend some time exploring the corresponding content area through sample tests and content area specifics, which can be found through the CSET website. The PLACE Corps works with these applicants on a case-by case basis and encourages applicants of all majors to apply. 
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What is the average undergraduate GPA of PLACE Corps acceptance?
Although the minimum requirement for acceptance into the School of Education graduate program for education is 2.8, the average GPA of those accepted into the most recent cohort was 3.4.
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What if my GPA is below 2.8?
The minimum GPA requirement for LMU's Grad Division is 2.8.   If a person's GPA is below that, special consideration may be given and a recalculation made based on the last 60 units, possibly even the last 30.  This approch is helpful if a lower GPA is due to coursework from freshman or sophomore year as a potential applicant is a stronger candidate for an exception than if the lower GPA mostly came from upper division coursework (the last 30 or 60 units).
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CA Credential and Testing

What are the fields in which an applicant can currently earn a credential at LMU while being a member of the PLACE Corps?
Single subject credentials (high school or departmentalized junior high) are available in the areas of: English, foreign language, mathematics, science (biology/life sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, physics), and social studies (geography/history/civics/economics). The overarching subject headings of English, foriegn language, mathematics, science, and social studies are often referred to as the "big five" as they are the subjects in which a California credential can be earned at LMU.  Multiple subject credentials can be earned with teaching positions in K-8.
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What if a potential candidate already has an out-of state credential and wants to teach high school in something other than the “big five?”
The candidate’s situation would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance into the PLACE Corps is a product of many things, including the availability of an appropriate PLACEment.
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I heard there were some recent changes in the California tests. What are the changes and where can i get the latest information on these changes?
The CSET: Writing Skills test is part of a new option to meet the state basic skills requirement. Candidates who have already passed the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) do NOT need to take CSET: Writing Skills test.  Candidates who pass all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects AND the new CSET: Writing Skills test will be considered proficient in the skills of reading, writing, and mathematics and will not be required to take the CBEST. For more information about the basic skills requirementvisit the CTC's Web at www.ctc.ca.gov .

The test guide for CSET:Writing Skills is available by selecting "Test Guides" on the CSET Website. For information about CSET test guides, see the "Preparing for the Tests" subheading on "About the CSET" menu.
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Are there ways, other than passing tests, to demonstrate subject competency?
It depends.  LMU has a waiver agreement with the CCTC that allows the Mathematics Department and the English Department to evaluate the candidate's undergraduate transcript to determine if the courses taken cover the scope of material required to satisfy teacher competency in one of these single subjects.

As per state guidelines, waivers no longer exist in multiple subjects. Liberal studies (education) majors must take the Multiple Subjects CSET, regardless of previous preparation or education coursework.
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What if I already have taken most of the education classes except for student teaching? Should I do my student teaching in the Spring or will teaching in the PLACE Corps satisfy that credential requirement?
More and more recent grads with substantial teacher education background are expressing interest in the PLACE Corps. The PLACE Corps is committed to looking at all candidates, regardless of how much or little education background they have. If you are entering the program with a solid background in teacher education, you would be a good candidate for the Child and Adolescent Literacy Master's degree option. If all but the student teaching is completed, you would take EDUC 621/622 plus a master's option (which substitutes for student teaching); you could also just do your student teaching as planned. Your decision on whether or not to do your student teaching should not be predicated on what you believe the odds are that you would be accepted into the PLACE Corps. A promise of advance acceptance into the PLACE Corps cannot be made, nor could one comment with accuracy your odds of acceptance. 
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Can I apply to the PLACE Corps if I already have a teaching credential?
Yes, by all means. Even though the majority of the PLACErs are novice teachers, some have a substantial amount of coursework completed toward their credential or have the credential. The candidate who enters PLACE Corps with a credential will have an alternate academic program (most often a master's in Child and Adolescent Literacy), taking his/her previous coursework into consideration.

Regardless, of professional preparation or previous experience as a teacher, all Year 1 PLACErs have the same salary. If the PLACEr continues teaching at his/her school beyond the two-year commitment, he/she will be elevated on the pay scale, with full consideration given to experience and professional preparation.

I heard that all teachers need to have their fingerprints taken. How does that apply to me?
Those employed as educators in California must obtain a criminal clearance from the State, and for that, fingerprints must be taken. As part of the initial PLACE Corps summer program, PLACErs will be fingerprinted and any necessary paperwork will be processed for State clearance.
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Do students need to take the GRE in order to apply to the PLACE Corps?
The GRE is not required for admission or participation in the PLACE Corps. Check the LMU Graduate Bulletin for testing prerequisites for other master's programs at LMU.
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Teaching Assignments

Can a candidate still teach high school even though he/she did not major in one of the “big five” subjects in which the California credential can be earned at LMU (English, foreign language, mathematics, science, and social studies)?
For the most part, all PLACErs are CA credential candidates. The PLACE Corps office compares a candidate’s stated major with his/her stated teaching interest, and each candidate must decide if he/she is going for multiple subjects (K-8) or single subjects (secondary/high school). The "big five" refer to the five credentials offered by LMU in single subjects: English math, foreign language, mathematics, science, and social studies. The CSET (similar to the PRAXIS) content area test must be passed in the corresponding subject area. It is not necessarily easy to pass this test even if a person majored in the content area. The PLACE Corps would not accept someone into single subject program unless they have majored in one of the "big five" or have passed the CSET upfront. (All CA in-state applicants must pass the CSET before interviews, regardless of major. Out-of-state candidates with non “big 5” majors must find an out-of-sate location for the CSET, come to CA for the test, or declare that they wish to earn the multiple subjects credential and teach K-8.)

Candidates are encouraged to look over the content areas for the CSET and decide accordingly. At this point, many potential candidates determine that they would prefer to teach in an elementary school, earning their multiple subjects credential instead of the single subject (high school/secondary) credential. This is something a candidate must decide for him/her self and should be investigated as soon as possible. The candidate must ultimately decide if the PLACE Corps meets his/her desired goals in terms of teaching. If a candidate feels there are additional factors or circumstances, it is suggested that he/she call or email to the PLACE Corps office.
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My academic background includes religious studies. As a PLACE Corps member, may I teach high school religion?
There certainly is a need for teachers that have the Catholic foundation and academic preparation to teach religion in the Catholic high schools. At this point in the PLACE Corps we do not offer positions for full-time religion teachers in the schools we serve, although there are several teachers in the program that do teach a period or two of religion. The primary reason for this is that all PLACErs are admitted to LMU's SOE as graduate students who are earning their masters in education AND a California teaching credential. California single subject credentials offered through LMU's SOE PLACE Corps are in social studies, mathematics, science, English, and language other than English. As per the state, all credential candidates must be teaching the majority of their classes in the subject area that corresponds to the stated credential goal. If you were to teach a period or two of high school religion, you would still need a credential specialty. Whatever that single subject specialty is, the candidate must -- up front-- take and pass the subject competency tests. (This can be challenging for majors, and very difficult for non-majors.)  In other words, a religious studies major teaching a period or two of high school religion needs to get credentialed in one of the big five areas listed. Is this realistic? Only the potential candidate can decide.

An option for the person whose heart is set on teaching religion would be to apply for the multiple subjects credential and asked to be PLACEd in a junior high setting. Most, if not all, of our PLACErs assigned to elementary school (K-8) are teaching religion at their respective grade levels. The candidate, if accepted, would be introduced to the principal as a "religion" specialist. The PLACEr would teach multiple subjects in the junior high, but would likely have additional responsibilities at the school that would capitalize on his/her religion background. The assets would be used as a religion curriculum coordinator, liturgical planner, and possibly teaching religion for another grade (usually a "homeroom" teacher job, but can vary school-to-school).
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What is an "appropriate" PLACEment?
Many factors are taken into consideration to match a candidate with an "appropriate" PLACEment. Multiple subject candidates must be PLACEd in an elementary school as close to that applicants expressed grade level preference. Single subject candidates must be matched to a position that will support the candidates' expressed credential goal. For instance, an English credential candidate must be teaching English, most ideally in a high school. However, a the same single subject English credential candidate may be PLACEd in an elementary school, assigned to teach language arts at the junior high level in addition to other subjects. Other factors (e.g. second language assets and the  willingness/ability to coach) may be included when matches are made, though these are not primary considerations.
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Does every accepted candidate have a teaching position?
Every candidate who is accepted into the PLACE Corps is accepted with a very specific PLACEment in mind. The PLACE Corps only accepts candidates who can be matched with a very specific opening/placement. Participating schools notify the PLACE Corps office of openings by mid-March. In the past, there have been more qualified candidates than school openings -- with an exception in math and science where several math/science openings could not be filled from within the candidate pool. The wait-list is kept active until the last possible minute, in case openings suddenly manifest or an applicant declines to enter the program. 
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Will a candidate know where they are teaching in advance (before the deadline for the commitment)?
Once accepted into the program, the candidate knows that he/she has been PLACEd in a school within the grade level range he/she preferred and/or in the chosen single or mulitple subject credential. The candidate should also know that the needs of the school are considered (e.g. second language and coaching ability) and is assured that the school served is an under-resourced school in the Archdiocese of LA, within commuting distance of LMU. All of this information can be taken into consideration during the accepted candidate's discernment process.  The accepted candidate's PLACE Corps application file is sent to the respective principal only after the candidate has committed to the program. In some ways, the pairing of a candidate and a position is like an “arranged marriage.” It should be noted that participation in the PLACE Corps is contingent upon the candidate being offered a contract by the principal.
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Finances & Benefits

Do PLACE Corps members have an income?
Yes. While, some programs refer to their member/participants as volunteers, PLACErs are referred to as teacher-practitioners who are on staff at their school as full-time teachers. PLACErs receive a modest (but livable salary) that will handle most of their expenses. The majority of the PLACErs manage to get through the two-year program without taking out a student loan or depending on supplemental income from another source. Housing is provided by the program.
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Do PLACErs receive a salary?
Yes. Schools with PLACErs budget for a PLACEr to receive a full salary, as per Archdiocesan payscale.  That is divided into 45/55%, with the 45% coming to LMU as a “fee.” The 45% "fee" covers the PLACErs’ housing (rent), the balance on tuition/fees not covered by AmeriCorps and the LMU grant (the Masters program and fees for 7 terms is valued at about $33,000), retreats, and fellowship and community activities.  The communities all have basic furniture and are stocked with standard household items. PLACErs are responsible for own linens.  The PLACErs use the 55%, (about $17,000) for their own personal expenses, shared community expenses (common groceries, utilities, cable, internet, etc.), all transportation costs, textbooks and the cost for required credential tests.
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Do PLACE Corps members receive health insurance benefits?
All full-time employees of the Archdiocese are offered health insurance, which includes all PLACE teachers.  A PLACEr may choose to upgrade the insurance with an employee contribution. Insurance goes into effect September 1st of the year the PLACEr begins teaching, with summer coverage extended between Year 1 and Year 2. It is advised that new PLACEr remain on his/her current plan until September 1st of the year teaching begins.
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What expenses are PLACE Corps members expected to cover on their own?
Credential testing for the state of California can add up, but those are expenses that must be dealt with by all credential candidates individually, regardless of PLACE Corps. PLACErs must purchase their textbooks for their graduate courses. All personal expenses such as transportation, phones, etc., are the PLACEr's responsibility. Most teachers find themselves investing both time and money in their classrooms.
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How difficult is it to get through the summer financially?
Realistically, the first summer is the toughest financially.  Although PLACErs have tuition, housing, and a food "allowance" provided for them, most PLACErs comment that things are pretty tight until the first paycheck arrives September 15th.  One PLACEr commented that she wished she had saved a little more of her graduation money to “get her through the summer.” 
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I heard this was a "free" masters. Is that true?
That depends on how you define the word "free." If all goes according to plan (as it has for cohorts before you), it is a debt-free masters. In other words, the member has incurred no debt upon graduation from the program. The schools in which PLACErs serve are charged a fee to participate in the program. This, along with some creative financing, a grant from the university, and outside funding (donors, AmeriCorps), PLACErs' LMU tuition and fees are covered.  Housing and other program expenses such as retreats and fellowship are also covered.
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What if I have already earned an AmeriCorps educational award?
This information should be brought to the attention of the program director for further discussion. Having already benefited from AmeriCorps does not render a potential candidate to the PLACE Corps ineligible, but preempitve discussion is highly recommended. 
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Living & Transportation

 

Where do PLACE Corps teachers serve?
PLACE Corps teachers serve in an under-resourced elementary or high school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Although there are over 250 K-8 schools and over 50 high schools in this Catholic school system, geographic restrictions* limit the number of schools at which a PLACEr may be assigned. See the Schools PLACE Serves for a complete listing of schools with current and alumni PLACErs this academic year.

*The school must be within a reasonable driving distance from both the PLACE Corps community home and LMU.
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Where do PLACErs live?
For the first summer, PLACErs live on campus in LMU student housing and move into their co-ed communities by the end of July. These communities are renovated convents, leased by LMU for this purpose and are located in the general vicinity. Typically, there are seven to twelve PLACErs who live together to form a community. Most PLACErs live within 20-40 minutes of the school in which they teach -- some are closer and a few are further. 
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In terms of housing, what is provided by the PLACE Corps?
PLACE Corps community homes are furnished with the basics. Each PLACEr has a bed and dresser, and each community has sofa(s), dining room table/chairs, and a full-complement of kitchen gear.  PLACErs supply their own linens and personal items and are permitted and encouraged to augment the community set-up.
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Do PLACErs need a car?
Although it is not a program requirement, realistically, PLACErs should have a car (or be really flexible).
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Is there anything else a PLACEr needs?
Most PLACErs will tell you that it helps considerably to have a cell phone and a personal computer. Although LMU students have access to student computer labs, it is helpful to have the 24-7 computer access.
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I heard that PLACE Corps may be expanding its geographical area to serve in "the valley," a bit more north in the Archdiocese.   Is this true and how does that impact the program?  
Yes, the PLACE Corps is planning on serving in the San Fernando Region in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  The LA Archdiocese comprises five regions in three counties. Typically, the PLACE Corps has served in the Our Lady of the Angels and the San Pedro regions, both within a 30 minute drive of both LMU and downtown Los Angeles. The request to expand into other areas of the Archdiocese has come from various levels including bishops, principals, and archdiocesan staff.  PLACE Corps teachers in the valley would still live in community and teach at their schools as all PLACErs do.  Depending on where the housing and schools are located, PLACErs in the San Fernando Region may take classes with their cohort on Mondays or may be taking classes with another LMU specialized urban education program--CAST (Catholic Archdiocesan School Teachers)-- which typically takes classes on selected weekends. All program dates, functions, and activities would take Saturday classes into consideration, and plans would be made/adjusted accordingly so that all PLACErs would be able to mazimize their PLACE Corps experiences regardless of living location.
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Is it true that PLACE Corps may serve in Hawaii in the near future?  If yes, what will that look like? 
Yes, LMU’s SOE hopes that this will happen.   This is an initiative that has been worked on for some time now and is coming soon, maybe as early as the 2009-2010, school year.  It would involve opening a PLACE Corps community on Oahu, thus expanding the PLACE Corps partnership to include the Diocese of Hawaii and establishing an academic partnership with Chaminade University in Honolulu.  The ideal candidate for PLACE-Hawaii would be a person with pre-certification (license or credential) from any state, OR a person from Hawaii (or is a graduate of a Hawaii university) with a background in education.  Members of PLACE-Hawaii would be enrolled in the hybrid Literacy masters at LMU, but take some coursework at Chaminade.  They would receive field support and the same general support of PLACErs in Los Angeles, and the spiritual pillar would be implemented much like it is in Los Angeles.  PLACE-Hawaii members would have full participation in PLACE Corps semi-annual retreats, the summer program, Welcome Orientation, etc.  PLACE-Hawaii may also include PLACE Corps alumni who will commit to an additional two years of post-PLACE service with modified program pillars.  Logistical challenges are considered outweighed by the anticipated outcomes.
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