RESOURCES FOR TEACHER EDUCATION
The Liberal Studies Program is an interdisciplinary major which offers a degree program under the College of Humanities leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.
The Michael D. Eisner College of Education epitomizes the excitement surrounding California State University, Northridge. Last year the College became the recipient of a substantial gift from the Michael D. Eisner Foundation.
The Department of Liberal Studies houses two interdisciplinary degrees. The BA in Liberal Studies offers students the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree grounded in the humanities and qualitative social sciences that provides a foundation for professional training in education, librarianship, law, medicine, various fields of public service, and business and industry.
There is perhaps no more significant or important job than teaching. With a national spotlight on education, a strong preparation for this increasingly demanding but exciting and rewarding role is crucial. The Preliminary Teaching Credential program is characterized by its rigor and relevance to today's increasingly diverse schools. Classes are small, professors are accessible, and field supervisors provide individual mentoring.
EDUCATION CAREERS
Careers in the field of Education
Many people aren't aware of the myriad different careers that one could enjoy in the field of education; there are literally hundreds of options for you if teaching is not your permanent goal.
TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM COURSES
Do you want to become a teacher? Are you interested in teaching children K-12?
Los Angeles Pierce College (СÀ¶ÊÓƵ) offers a guided path for you to become a teacher: Complete your Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), in Elementary Teacher Education and transfer into a California State University (CSU) teacher education program.
Education classes at Los Angeles Pierce College offer many advantages:
- Education 1 is a CSU requirement and part of the ADT in Elementary Teacher Education
- Education 203 is equivalent to ELPS 203 at California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
- Education 1 and 203 count toward the pre-credential field requirements
- Education 203 and 200 are part of the CSUN Liberal Studies ITEP-Junior option (15a and 15b on the Liberal Studies Transfer chart)
- Education 200 is the prerequisite for SPED 412 (your upper division course) at CSUN
- Education 10 is part of our Teacher Assistant Paraprofessional Certificate of Achievement, and is stackable with the Associate’s Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Elementary Teacher Education.
- Education 203 is also part of the Global Studies minor at CSUN
- ETK and TK Instructors must have a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, plus 24-units of Child Development.
With our Teacher Education program, you can complete THREE Associates Degrees at once! When you complete the ADT in Elementary Teacher Education through our guided pathway, and you will ALSO earn an Associate Degree in:
- General Studies with emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and
- General Studies with emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (with one more 3-unit course in STEM).
- Before taking Education courses, we recommend that students complete English 28.
Education Courses
Lecture 3 hours. (Offered face-to-face and online)
This course introduces students to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today’s contemporary schools, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Students will examine topics including teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, contemporary educational issues, California’s content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time, the course requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured observation in public school elementary classrooms that represent California’s diverse student population.
Lecture 3 hours (Offered online)
In the course, you will learn how teacher's assistants and paraprofessionals support the work of classroom teachers to promote a safe, nurturing and productive classroom environment. You will develop skills for working one-on-one and in large group settings to assist children toward academic success. Through this course, you will explore ethical and legal issues in the classroom and school setting, responsibilities of paraprofessionals, including curriculum development, children's rights, classroom behavior management techniques, strategies for working in a team, and techniques for working with diverse families. This course is part of the Teacher Assistant Paraprofessional Certificate of Achievement, and is stackable with the Associate’s Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Elementary Teacher Education.
Lecture 3 hours. (Offered online)
Students gain knowledge related to the sources of developmental diversity, including both biological and environmental factors and how these factors can impact a child's development in the areas of social, cognitive, physical, and emotional and language skills. Emphasis is placed on the practical implications for special education and the role of the special educator and other members of the educational planning team in promoting a positive, supportive and healthy learning environment and individualized instruction. This course also covers the legal requirements of special education as specified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other legislative mandates.
Lecture 3 hours. (Offered face-to-face and online)
Students examine the fundamental theories of the American educational institution in its social, political, and economic contexts. Concepts and methods from the fields of sociology, philosophy, and the politics of education are used to analyze the current conditions of American schools. Consideration of contemporary issues, including the roles of the American school in a democratic, multi-cultural society is emphasized. Analysis of the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education and of school organization are used to evaluate selected proposals and models for reform. In addition to class time, the course requires a minimum of 30 hours of structured observation in public school elementary classrooms that represent California’s diverse student population. (CSU GE Area D, IGETC Area 4).