Just as we understand that it "takes a village to raise a child," we have come to know that it takes a team to support a new teacher.
CTA member Joey Cruz is a not-yet-fully-credentialed first-year teacher at Highland Elementary School in Hayward. Last summer he was accepted into CSU's CalStateTEACH program where he hopes to obtain his Multiple Subject Credential.
He knew he was entering somewhat uncharted waters since the alternative credential program is brand-new. With no regular classes to attend, the student has to take responsibility for maintaining the pace of studies in the program.
When Cruz began his coursework in September, he filed for a pre-intern certificate with CalStateTEACH. He received a large box of textbooks, custom-printed materials, videotapes and software for self-study. He joined 15 colleagues and CSU faculty member, Dr. Sharon Tettegah, in an online community that conducts classroom discussions via the program's Web site.
Cruz spends about 12 hours per week in his studies, but he gets to choose which hours work best for his schedule. His attendance is required at five Saturday seminars.
At least monthly, Tettegah visits Cruz to observe in his classroom and give him support and feedback. In addition, he receives feedback from a mentor teacher at the school site, known as his adjunct site faculty member. The experienced teacher spends about two hours per week with him observing, demonstrating, planning and coaching. In addition, Cruz has the encouragement and support of his principal.
Cruz selected the program because he wanted maximum flexibility but didn't want to sacrifice quality in the process. The cost is approximately $4,500 for the entire 18 months, including materials.
Today, Cruz has passed MSAT, moved into intern status, and is completing the second of the four stages of the CalStateTEACH program.
Such a program has the potential to be a major service for emergency permit teachers who have young children, live in rural areas, or for other reasons can't attend a campus-based credential program. We can't afford to lose them.