The four programs—in special, bilingual, math and science education—will be developed throughout the 2017-18 academic year. COE expects to offer these programs for the first time in fall 2018.
“Candidates will be able to complete a bachelor's degree and a teaching credential in four years,” said Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., dean of the College of Education. “Currently, completing both requires at least five years.”
The College of Education is developing the programs thanks to four grants totaling $1,000,000 from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The grants are designed to help ease the growing K-12 teacher shortage in the California. The funds are being used to expand the number of teacher candidates seeking credentials in the areas that are most needed—science, technology, engineering, math, bilingual, and special education.
Currently, California State University teacher preparation programs require at least five years to complete. Students first must earn a bachelor's degree in a discipline in four years and then enroll in a fifth-year teacher preparation program. This means that teacher candidates have to spend more time and money to get their credential.
The College of Education is working with faculty from various majors, community colleges, and COE’s teacher education program faculty to redesign programs that prepare candidates who will educate today's elementary and secondary students.
“For many students, this will mean fewer student loans and faster access to a beginning teacher salary,” added Johnson. “At the same time, these programs will be designed to ensure that candidates have high-quality coursework and fieldwork that will prepare them to make a positive difference in the lives of students.”
Related Article:
SDSU Working on 4-year Teacher Preparation Programs (Feb. 2017)