We are gearing up for PLACE Corps Cohort 23! Happy to see you here - let's get you started!
- Request a Detailed Info Packet sent to you via email.
- Review dates and RSVP to join us in the next virtual personalized Info Session.
Available Programs of Study
PLACE Corps predominantly enrolls and accepts candidates into an elementary or secondary education teacher preparation program, in courses offered using a 'hybrid' format (60% face-to-face and 40% online). PLACE Corps also enrolls and accepts candidates who already hold a teaching credential/certificate into our master's degree only program.
- Master of Arts in Transformative Education + California Multiple Subjects (Elementary) Preliminary Teaching Credential
- Master of Arts in Transformative Education + California Single Subject (Secondary) Preliminary Teaching Credential
- Master of Arts in Transformative Education w/o teaching credential (for previously certified/credentialed candidates only)
Ready to Apply?
- Apply online - be sure to also select, alongside the program of choice above, Private School Teacher Field Expereince and the PLACE Corps Partnership!
- Include a completed LMU PLACE Corps Supplemental Info, available for download in the online application.
- In the recommendation section of the online application, enter your recommenders name, title, organization, and email address so that the system can send them a confidential link to upload a letter of recommendation on your behalf. You also choose whether to waive your right to view the recommendation at that time. Your recommender will be provided with this LMU PLACE Corps Letter of Recommendation and Form in the link they receive via email. They are instructed to write a letter and complete the form and upload it at the confidential link provided. Feel free to provide each recommender with the form in advance.
- We will work with you to clarify questions and assist you through the application process.
- Watch your email for an invitation to interview!
Preparing for your Interview
Some helpful reading materials as you prepare for your interview:
- School of Education Mission, Vision, and Core Values
- In the Words of a Placer: PLACE Corps Pillar Descriptors
- About Catholic School Education (Excerpt from Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Department of Catholic Schools)
- Discernment: Making Inspired Choices (Excerpt from Jesuit Volunteer Corps; 2017 Loyola Press.)
Employment as a Teacher within the ArchDiocese of Los Angeles
PLACE Corps works closely with partnering (arch)diocesan school principals to obtain teaching placements that most closely align with the candidates' teaching career goals. Once placement of a candidate is made, there is a meeting of the candidate with the principal during a school site visit. After meeting, the teaching placement is finalized and the candidate is formally offered employment by the school with full salary and option for benefits.
Faith-Filled Intentional Community Living
Once the school-site teaching placement of a candidate is finalized, candidates are assigned to a living community that considers a variety of factors, including least amount of reasonable daily commute, availability of spaces within a community, and candidate fit/strengths they bring to the community. As new community members settle into community, returning members serve as mentors and support incoming members both in spirituality and in teaching. Community members commit to intentionally eating, praying, supporting, sharing, and maintaining the community together. Program alumni additionally serve each community in ongoing support roles.
Program Finances
PLACE Corps is blessed by the support of many individuals and foundations in Southern California whose contributions serve significantly to offset tuition, housing, and program costs. PLACE Corps works diligently to ensure that candidate tuition, housing, and program fees total less than approximately half of their net salary. This allows candidates the opportunity to use half of their annual salaries in order to complete the two-year program debt free. Candidates are responsibile for providing their own car and car insurance, cell phone, computer, textbooks, associated various graduate student enrollment fees, accident insurance, examination fees, food, daily living necessities, and travel expenses. (Community rent and utility expenses, including wi-fi, are fully provided through the program.)
Accreditation
LMU and the SOE are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the national Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Post Application Program Requirements
- California Basic Skills, Subject Matter Competence, and U.S. Constitution Requirements
Candidates enrolling in a California credential program are asked to check a box in the application with a potential plan on how they may meet basic skills, subject matter, and U.S. Constitution. These are State of California requirements for teacher credentialing. During the program, our PLACE Corps team will work with you individually on how best to meet these. California provides many avenues for applicants to meet requirements, including, but not limited to prior undergraduate coursework and subject area of bachelor's degree.
- Reading Instruction Competence Requirement
Successful passage of the California examination (RICA) for elementary multiple subject credential candidates is required after completion of the literacy class within the program. PLACE Corps staff will keep you aprised of timeline.
- Public School Observation Hours
During your program, our team works with you to verify applicable previous observation hours, hours completed within your coursework, and/or additional Public School Observation Hours, as required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Per Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v), all LMU School of Education credential/licensure programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and for the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences as appropriate. The institution has not made a determination as to whether these credential, licensure, and professional preparation programs meet the requirements of states outside of California. If you are interested in practicing outside the state of California, it is recommended that you contact the respective licensing entity of that state to seek information or guidance regarding their licensure and credential requirements in advance to allowing appropriate planning.