Golden State Teacher Grant Program

Overview

Golden State Teacher Grant Program
For Students Considering a Teaching Credential and Career in California

The Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG) is for students who are currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program to earn a credential in the high need field of special education and commit to teach at a priority school, in California for four years, within five years after completing a teacher preparation program.

GSTG awards of up to $20,000 are available to eligible, currently enrolled students in California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved teacher preparation programs within a California institution of higher education.   College and University campuses will use their own selection criteria and procedures to identify eligible students. Apply for a Golden State Teacher Grant here:  https://gstg.csac.ca.gov. 

Thank you for your interest in the Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG). 

Important Program Update: Due in part to California’s emergency response and state budget revisions vital to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GSTG program has changed.  While the GSTG program is accepting applications from currently enrolled eligible students, the GSTG program awards are only for students currently enrolled toward earning a teaching credential in special education.  Interested students may email questions to goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov. 

COVID-19 Updates: For information on federal emergency financial aid assistance for California students as well as assistance provided by the Governor and the California Legislature, please visit the Commission’s COVID-19 Information webpage for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), resources and updates. Our student support services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:45 pm at 1-888-CALGRANT (or 224-7268).

Golden State Teacher Grant Program Brochure

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The Golden State Teacher Grant Program

What is a “High-Need Field”?

A “high-need field” means any of the following:
(1) Bilingual education.
(2) Mathematics or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including career technical education in STEM areas.
(3) Science.
(4) Special education.
(5) Multiple subject instruction.
(6) Other subjects as designated annually by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing based on an analysis of the availability of teachers in California pursuant to Education Code Section 44225.6.

What is a “Priority School”?

A “priority school” means a school with a high percentage, as determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in consultation with the California Department of Education (CDE), of teachers holding emergency-type permits, based on the most recent data available to the CTC and the CDE. By January 1, 2020, the CTC shall publish a list of priority schools. “Emergency-type permits” include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
(1) Provisional internships.
(2) Short-term staff permits.
(3) Credential waivers.
(4) Substitute permits.

The CTC list of priority schools is available at this link:
https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/notices/gs-teacher-list

How do I know if I’m eligible for a Golden State Teacher Grant?

All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be enrolled in a teacher preparation program within a California institution of higher education approved by the CTC.
  • Meet the selection criteria identified by their institutions.

What is a Teaching Agreement?

The Teaching Agreement explains the student’s obligations under the provisions of the grant. Non-compliance with the Teaching Agreement will result in partial or full grant repayment.
• Maintain good academic standing while enrolled in the CTC approved teacher preparation program.
• Commit to teach in the “high-need field” of special education at a “priority school” for four (4) years, within five (5) years after graduation from the teacher preparation program.

For more information contact the
Golden State teacher Grant Program at:
goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov
www.csac.ca.gov/goldenstateteachers
1.888.224.7268