California State University, Long Beach and Long Beach Unified School District, along with area community colleges, have worked together through the Seamless Education Partnership to reform the teacher preparation program so that teachers who graduate from CSULB are better prepared to meet school districts’ needs. A few examples of enhanced features include:
Already, this collaboration has reaped benefits with Long Beach Unified School District now serving as the largest employer of teachers who graduate from CSULB.
At the end of their first year in the classroom, new teachers complete a survey evaluating their preparation to teach in real world classrooms. Their perceptions of their own performance and readiness to teach are compared to the professional judgments of their supervisors. The California State University Systemwide Evaluation, begun in 2001, is the longest running initiative of its kind in the history of American teacher education. California State University, Long Beach teachers show sustained, accelerating progress, supporting Long Beach Unified School District Superintendent Chris Steinhauser’s observation that: “New teachers from CSULB are getting better every year!”
CSULB has taken the bold step to extend a New Teacher Warranty for their graduates during their first year of teaching. If any new teacher or employer of a new teacher contacts the university to express concerns, the university will provide assistance at no cost.
The university prepares over 1,000 professionals a year, including teachers, principals, school counselors, school psychologists, as well as community counselors and leaders.
CSULB is a university of choice for people who prepare to become leaders in area schools, such as principals and superintendents. The master’s degree program has a long-standing tradition of graduating future leaders in Long Beach and surrounding communities.
CSULB was one of the first California State University campuses to award doctoral degrees—Ed.D.s in educational leadership. The program is designed for working professionals who seek to further influence educational policy and decision making. Over 20 educational leaders for public schools and higher education settings graduate each year.
The Teacher TRAC Program at Cerritos College is a nationally recognized model for a community college pre-teaching program. In the past decade, over 400 students have transferred seamlessly and successfully completed teaching credentials at CSULB.
The American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education recognized the College of Education for its Urban Teaching Academy’s success in turning around low-performing schools. The Urban Teaching Academy is an on-site residence program that prepares new teachers and also offers a master’s program for experienced teachers.
