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| California Teacher Corps Monthly
February, 2011
Volume II, Issue 3
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President's Message
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Only one word can describe the California Teacher Corps conference: WOW!
A very big thank you to our members who joined us in Napa on February 10 and 11 for the First Annual California Teacher Corps Conference. It was an incredible opportunity to come together for two days to share the impactful work that each of us undertakes every day.
We all know that California is at an education crossroads - our teachers are facing layoffs and school districts are operating under one of the toughest budget's in decades. But it is our programs that are providing a glimmer of hope. With over 55,000 highly-skilled teachers from alternative certification programs currently serving in California public schools, we are meeting the needs of our schools and districts by attracting and retaining effective teachers.
I cannot help but think what an extraordinary time this is for alternative certification programs in California. As our pipeline becomes even more critical to California over the coming years, the Teacher Corps can serve as a model for other states.
The opportunity to come together to share best practices, engage in discussion and keep abreast of the latest issues is invaluable to the future of alternative certification in our state. We look forward to getting together for many years to come.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to the Teacher Corps.
Catherine
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| California Teacher Corps in the News | |
Congress Weighs in on 'Highly Qualified'
In December, Congress passed legislation defining "highly qualified" to include teachers pursuing their credential through an alternative route to certification program. The California Teacher Corps has actively participated in the national dialogue surrounding this legislation, and invited Public Advocates, the advocacy organization that brought the initial lawsuit, to join us at our conference to share opposing viewpoints.
Read the Teacher Corps' position and response here:
Alternate Route, Same Destination: All Highly Qualified Teachers, TOP-Ed, Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Congress Applies Temporary Fix to 'Highly Qualified' Teacher Issue, Cabinet Report, Monday, January 3, 2011 |
Latest from the California Teacher Corps
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The First Annual California Teacher Corps Conference
More than 100 leaders and directors from California's alternative certification programs came together for the First Annual California Teacher Corps Conference, held in Napa on February 10 and 11, to discuss the state of teacher preparation in California, and share best practices for recruiting and training the most qualified teachers.
It was a packed two days that included panels, workshops, and featured speakers. We heard why the alternative pathway sometimes makes more sense from Jed Wallace, CEO of the California Charter Schools Association. Beatriz Ceja, with the U.S. Department of 
Education, shared a national perspective on alternative certification, researcher Janna Siegel Robertson presented fascinating data on our programs, while Andy Goodman, founder of Good Ideas for Good Causes, empowered us to share the story of our teachers and programs with those who need to hear it most. Lastly, Cyndy Stephens, former president of the National Association for Alternative Certification, and Tara Kini, from Public Advocates, took opposing sides on the highly qualified debate, and helped to inform us of the important issues for both sides of the case.
Michael McKibbin Outstanding Educator Award
It was a very special moment for the Teacher Corps when we recognized Michael McKibbin, an instrumental figure in establishing and supporting alternative teacher certification through more than two decades of working with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. To learn more about Michael, please watch this inspirational tribute video that we showed at the conference.
Annually, we will honor Michael's work by awarding a distinguished California educator with The Michael McKibbin Outstanding Educator of the Year Award. This year, we honored Baljit Gill, math teacher at Caruthers High School in Fresno County, Calif. Continue reading through the newsletter to learn more about Baljit!
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| Our Teachers |
Baljit Gill
Math Teacher, Caruthers High School
Michael McKibbin Outstanding Educator of the Year Recipient
Baljit Singh Gill came to the United States from India as a young child and grew up in the Bay Area with a deep rooted commitment to his community. After a successful career as a software engineer and banking manager, Baljit decided to pursue teaching as a second career and earned his credential through National University, a Teacher Corps program.
Baljit explains his career change as an opportunity "...to be able to do more and have a positive impact on the lives of young people."
Not only does Baljit teach math at Caruthers High School, which serves 570 students of whom one-third are English language learners and more than 80 percent receive free and reduced lunch, but also serves as a freshman advisor, track and basketball coach, Punjabi club advisor and as a member of the school's technology committee.
He has participated in a teacher leadership grant through the Fresno County Office of Education and the Fresno State Foundation, which is a grant to build future teacher leaders, and conducts workshops that introduce veteran teachers to teaching software that complements the math curriculum.
"Every day, I am reminded that there is no greater commitment to the future of our country than to teach," said Gill. "Becoming a teacher is one of the best decisions I have ever made."
The Teacher Corps would like to highlight all the wonderful teachers that have gone through our programs. Please share your teachers' stories by emailing us at info@cateachercorps.org.
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'On Teaching' for Our Teachers
A new section geared toward our member teachers
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Content Area Teaching Enhancements (CATEs)
3-dimensional graphic organizers are used across the curriculum to enhance learning. Often referred to as foldables, these are research-based ways to assess the knowledge of a content area without taking a test. The 3-D interactive graphic organizers that students create themselves become a self-study guide. These can be used in any grade level and with any subject. They promote learning by serving as a fun substitute for worksheets, flashcards, and other paper/pencil tasks. These enhancements integrate reading and writing, improve note-taking skills, and hold students accountable for their learning.
Below are directions for a split book/book without staples, a favorite enhancement of many teachers:
Materials needed: 3 pieces of 8 ½ by 11 paper, scissors, ruler, and pencil
Ø Fold 3 pieces of paper in half (short way looks like a hamburger)
Ø Open one of the folded sheets and bend it lengthwise (do not crease)
Ø Cut on the folded line from bend 1" from edge of paper
Ø Take other 2 pieces and cut in 1" from edge of paper
Ø Bend pages lengthwise and slide through long slit in the cover
Ø Slowly open pages back and fold back
Students now have their own book!
Submitted by Roxane Moore, M.A., CSU Fullerton and Marjorie McCabe, Ph.D., CSU, San Bernardino
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Announcements
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To all our members: We want you! Please consider joining the California Teacher Corps as a Board Member. We are currently recruiting members for the following committees:
Membership: Recruit new members to CA Teacher Corps
Fund-raising Committee: Develop fund requests and grant proposals
Teacher Recruitment: Respond to inquiries and develop protocol for statewide intern recruitment
Research Committee: Elicit data collection and research regarding Alternative Certification, as well as coordinate existing research
This is a great opportunity to network with leading alternative certification minds from across California, and promote your programs!
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 Find the California Teacher Corps on Facebook!
| | The California Teacher Corps is an affiliate of the National Association for Alternative Certification (NAAC). |
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