Early Completion Option (ECO)

Senate Bill 57 (Scott) provides for an Early Completion Option for Multiple or Single Subject or Education Specialist Participating Teachers.  The Early Completion Option (ECO) allows individuals to complete a commission-approved professional teacher induction program in less than the two years of the established program.   It is equally as rigorous as the two-year program.  Upon successful completion of the induction requirements, candidates are recommended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) for a Professional Clear Credential. 

ECO Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a preliminary multiple or single subject or education specialist credential. The intent of the legislation is to serve experienced and exceptional teachers.  Interested candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required of all teacher candidates who complete the two-year program.

• Private or Out-of-State teachers 

  • Three or more years of teaching

  • Verification of teaching experience including rigorous positive evaluations from site administrators.

• Intern Teachers with:

  • Two years of participation in an intern program and positive evaluations from the University Advisory, Site Administrator, and Master Teacher

  • Effective Completion of all requirements for entry into an Intern Program

  • Completion of US Constitution coursework, fingerprints, subject matter, and/or RICA if applicable.

  • A passing score on the Teacher Performance Assessment

If upon review of the requirements, a candidate feels s/he meets the criteria, an application may be submitted to request ECO status.  Applications may be obtained during a meeting with the Induction Program Specialist.

Application Requirements

• • A written rationale explaining how the candidate meets the criteria for Early Completion.  The letter should reflect on exemplary practice related to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession, professionalism, and commitment to teaching practice.

  • Evidence of preliminary teaching credential (include copy of credential).

  • Documentation of a minimum of two (2) years prior teaching experience as the teacher of record in a K-12 teaching assignment.

  • Evidence of exceptional teaching practice during prior professional experience with a minimum of three (3) teacher performance evaluations completed in the prior 18 months, including one by the most recent elevator.

  • Three (3) current letters of recommendation (within the last six months) from educational administrators who have observed the candidate's teaching.  Letters should address expertise related to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.

  • A letter from the current Ceres Unified site administrator describing the teaching assignment and indicate support for participation in a one-year Induction program.

• Upon submission and approval that application and all supporting documentation meet the criteria as established,  a classroom observation will be scheduled by the Induction Program Administrator.  Evidence will be collected based on the Continuum of Teaching Practice for CSTP 2-Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning.

Acceptance as an ECO Candidate requires maintenance of exceptional performance and professionalism.  The candidate must meet all deadlines and meetings:  Workshops, component due dates, and related trainings.  If the candidate is unable to continue to demonstrate appropriate placement in the ECO program, the candidate may be withdrawn from ECO and placed into Year 1.

Applications for 2025-2026 ECO pathway must be received by the Induction Program Administrator by September 5, 2025.