Teacher Education Program

Division Head: Linda Hoff, Ph.D.
Master of Arts in Teaching Program Director: Sharon Merritt, Ph.D.
Multiple Subjects Interim Program Director: Darrell Blanks, M.A.
Single Subject Program Director: Robin K. Perry, Ed.D.
Merced Program Director: Margaret Ameel, Ph.D.
Bakersfield Program Director: Doug Bartsch, M.A.
Credential Analyst: Susan Jones, M.A.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Preliminary Multiple Subjects Credential
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Preliminary Single Subject Credential
Preliminary Multiple Subjects Credential
Preliminary Single Subject Credential

Mission Statement

We encourage candidates in the teacher education program at FPU to embrace teaching as a calling to redemptive service. We expect our graduates will become scholars, professionals, peacemakers and leaders as they enter the teaching profession.

Overview

Applicants may apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with the preliminary teaching credential when they start their teacher preparation program. MAT students complete their preliminary credential (approx. 36 units) and then return to FPU to complete the 12 post-credential MAT units within the first few years of teaching alternatively, applicants may apply for the preliminary multiple or single subject credential as a stand-alone credential program. Credential program completers may return to FPU within the first one-three years of teaching to apply to complete the MAT program.

Program Descriptions

These credential programs at FPU have been designed to provide students with thorough preparation to teach in a multilingual, diverse society. The multiple subject credential program prepares candidates to teach in elementary or middle school (K-8). The single subject credential program prepares candidates to teach in middle or high schools (Grades 7-12). The MAT degree is completed in two phases:

Phase I: Completion of the preliminary credential program. Preliminary credential coursework includes the study of foundations of education, methods of teaching subject

matter, curriculum studies and courses that address the needs of English learners and exceptional learners. Coursework prepares students to apply what they learn in their university courses throughout their school-based field experiences, wherein they are mentored by expert teachers who serve as cooperating teachers and university mentors.

Phase II: Completion of 12 units of post-credential MAT coursework and thesis. After completing the requirements for the preliminary credential and securing a teaching position, MAT students extend and deepen their understanding of effective teaching strategies and curriculum analysis by enrolling in 12 units of post-credential coursework. MAT students are challenged to reflect on their roles as teachers and their commitment to teaching as their vocation. Students develop an understanding of qualitative action research methodology and skills, which they apply by completing a classroom action research project for their thesis. The program uses features such as the cohort model and online, blended course delivery systems to foster a robust, supportive, professional community.

Special Features

Emphasis on application of theory to practice.
Student teaching cohort model with placement in partnering school districts.
Personal and professional support by program advisors, university mentors, instructors and school-based cooperating teachers.
Opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly and professional dialogue about issues critical to new teachers.
Coursework aligned with California Induction programs.
Flexible pacing plans: part-time and full-time available in all regional centers.
High rate of employment.

Accreditation

FPU's credentials are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The CTC website provides extensive guidelines pertaining to becoming a teacher in California (ctc.ca.gov).

State of California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, California 95814-4213

Admissions Requirements: MAT and Credential-Only Programs

FPU undergraduate students seeking a teaching credential must apply and be admitted to the program prior to taking any teacher education courses

The program expects applicants from FPU as well as other universities to complete their application and submit all application documents to the program at least six weeks before they expect to begin coursework.

Admissions Requirements

Three current reference forms
Interview with program director
Verification of current negative TB test (last 12 months)
All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
Teacher education addendum: description of 90 hours working with children and/or adolescents. (Counts as statement of intent.)
Certificate of Clearance

Testing Results Required to Advance to Field-Based Coursework

Official passing results on Basic Skills Test (CBEST)
Verification of subject matter competence
- Multiple subject candidates: CSET for multiple subjects
- Single subject candidates: appropriate CSET or subject matter waiver letter from another university documenting completion of a CTC- approved program.

Admissions Procedure

1. Submit application online (grad.fresno.edu/programs/credentials)
2. Meet with a qualified FPU representative to learn about program options and admissions requirements.
3. Submit application requirements by the priority date

Fall semester—July 15
Spring semester—November 15
Summer semester—March 15

4. When application file is complete, schedule an admissions appointment to meet with the appropriate program director, who will develop a course plan with the applicant
5. Contact Student Financial Services to develop a financial plan

Admission Requirements: Intern Program

Occasionally prospective students who are interested in the teacher education program are offered full-time teaching positions and seek admission to the FPU intern program. Interested students should contact the appropriate program director for more information.

Eligibility Requirements: Post-Credential MAT Coursework

When FPU credential program graduates are ready to enroll in the post-credential coursework that is required for completing the MAT they must submit the following documents in order to be eligible for enrollment. All forms are available at the GDC Office.

Complete the Graduate Application Update Form
Must have started and completed the Fresno Pacific teacher education credential program within the last five years
Verification of employment as a teacher by employer
MAT program plan, signed by program advisor

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The Division of Teacher Education has developed a plan for preparing teachers which is defined by two frameworks for teacher preparation: the FPU Teacher Education Mission and Vision and The Teacher Performance Expectations, which were designed by the California Commission on Teacher Education.

Program Mission and Vision:

Lifelong Learner: Engages in continual self-evaluation and self-directed learning for professional growth.
Effective Communicator: Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, administrators and the general public.
Collaborator: Intentionally seeks opportunities to work with colleagues to improve student learning.
Advocate: Respects and values the rights of all students and is proactive in ensuring that their educational needs are met.
Passionate Inquirer: Exhibits a love of learning and a natural curiosity to gain an understanding of the world and its inhabitants.
Reflective, Skillful Practitioner: Shows knowledge and skill in the systematic design, implementation and assessment of curriculum, instruction and learning.
Facilitator of Classroom as Community: Demonstrates an ability and desire to maintain respectful relationships, creating a sense of equity and community in each situation.
Bridge Builder between School and Community: Develops an understanding of the culture, heritage and community demographics represented in the classroom.

The Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs)

Developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), TPEs are aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).

Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning
Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students
Assessing Student Learning
Developing as a Professional Educator

Locations

Main Campus Fresno, Visalia, and Merced Campuses.

Program Length/Semester Starts/Pacing Options

The program offers students opportunities to start the preliminary credential phase of the MAT program in the summer, fall or spring terms. Coursework for the post- credential phase of the MAT begins in both fall (fast-paced, two year) and spring (slower-paced, three year). Many students who wish to start their credential in the fall choose to jumpstart their program by taking one or two courses the summer before.

Credential Program Pacing Options

The teacher education program recognizes that some students wish to pursue their credentialing in as timely a manner as possible, while others prefer extended program plans. Therefore, the program offers multiple options. Courses occur in the afternoon or evening and student teaching requirements are completed during the day. All students must complete the program by enrolling in the semester-long final directed student teaching course which involves full-time student teaching placements and evening courses.

Full-Time Student Teaching Option. Three semesters (summer, fall and spring): one semester of non-field based coursework, one semester which includes initial student teaching and coursework and one semester when students complete daily student teaching and coursework.

Part-Time Student Teaching Option (Multiple Subject Candidates Only). Four semesters, including one semester of non-field based coursework, two semesters which include one day/week initial student teaching and evening coursework, and one semester when students complete daily student teaching

MAT Post-Credential Pacing Options.

When students decide to complete their post-credential courses, they may select from two pacing options:

Option 1 (three years, spring start): Designed for teachers who prefer a slower pace of coursework. This option is appropriate for recent credential graduates who wish to enroll in the MAT coursework while they are concurrently completing their district's requirements for induction.

Option 2 (two years, fall start): Designed for FPU credential graduates who prefer a faster pace of coursework. Option 2 may be particularly attractive to students who are returning to FPU to complete their MAT coursework after completing at least one year of teaching.

The Multiple and Single Subject Independent Teaching Programs, including Internships: Program Overview

The independent teaching/internship program is an alternative to the traditional student teaching program. It is not meant to be the typical route for the majority of candidates. In establishing intern programs, the state had two goals in mind: 1) to meet the needs of districts and 2) to meet the needs of mature individuals with exceptional experience with children and youth and with expertise in the content area designated by the credential. The internship program best serves those mature individuals who are able to tie theory and practice together in on-the-job preparation for the professional career. Districts generally hire interns in credential areas that are underserved by credentialed teachers, such as special education, mathematics and science. Interns complete credential courses while teaching independently as a salaried teacher.

In addition, students who enter the student teaching program are sometimes offered internships after they complete their first full-time semester in the program. In such cases, and with strong recommendations from their program advisor and university mentor, these students change from the student teaching option to the intern option and complete their credential in the intern program. See program director for details. Applicants interested in pursuing this alternative pathway must consult with their program director.

Early Completion Internship Option

Overview

Senate Bill 57 requires that all California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved multiple- and single-subject internship programs offer an early completion internship option to qualified candidates.

Admissions Requirements

The early completion option provides people who have the requisite skills and knowledge, and have passed the Teaching Foundations Examination, to work with an accredited teaching internship program to complete a performance assessment. Updated information on this option can be found on the CTC website. Interested candidates should seek counsel from an appropriate program director.