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| California Teacher Corps Monthly
October 2011
Volume II, Issue 9
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President's Message | |
Once again, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is bringing into the spotlight the need to better prepare our nation's teachers and increase the pathways in which professionals can enter the field. To help support and invest in alternative certification programs, the U.S. Department of Education announced the Transition to Teaching grant, of which our very own CSU Dominguez Hills was a recipient.
The California Teacher Corps is proud to play an active role in our state's efforts to improve public education. The government continues to highlight the importance of rigorous programs like ours: pathways that produce talented, committed teachers and place them in underserved public schools. What's more, California Teacher Corps teachers are consistently highly-ranked and recognized as an asset by school administrators across California.
This high praise is not a surprise. We already know the difference our teachers make in the classroom, and it starts with high-quality preparation models that California Teacher Corps programs consistently deliver. Our programs provide the intensive mentoring and coaching that prepares teachers best for the classroom.
As the school year continues to march on, we thank all of you for your dedication to provide the best education our future teachers can have.
Tania Schalburg-Dykes
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Latest from the California Teacher Corps |
The 2012 California Teacher Corps Conference
Save The Date! Join us on February 9-10, 2012
The California Teacher Corps is already gearing up for our 2012 conference. We're excited to bring together the individuals that make up our community for two days of inspiration, empowerment and collaboration. Mark the dates down on your calendars, we don't want you to miss it. More information to come in future newsletters!
Michael McKibbin Outstanding Educator Award
California Teacher Corps teachers work hard to make a difference every day. Now it's your time to brag a little.
The California Teacher Corps is proud to announce the second annual Michael McKibbin Outstanding Educator Award. This award is designed to honor an outstanding educator in California who has completed or is currently enrolled in an alternative certification program.
Application Process
Are you a Program Director who knows a great educator that deserves a pat on the back? Keep in mind an educator who is:
- Making a positive, powerful impact in his/her classroom or school, including leadership roles
- A second-career professional whose previous career will resonate with the general public
- Highly-qualified and an expert in his/her subject matter
- Working in a high-need school, location, subject area or underserved communities
Michael McKibbin, a retired administrator from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, has been instrumental in establishing and supporting alternative route programs in California. He has been a strong advocate for the selection of the right teacher for students in California and the California Teacher Corps Michael McKibbin Award recognizes and honors his lifetime work. The award winner must be able to attend the California Teacher Corps annual conference (February 9-10, 2012) in Napa Valley. The nominating program will be responsible for the conference and travel costs for the award winner. The program director should submit a brief cover letter stating that, using program or regional funds, he/she is willing to pay for the travel and conference expenses.
To learn more about last year's winner, Baljeet Gill, go to our website. For additional information, contact the California Teacher Corps board at board@cateachercorps.org.
Transition to Teaching Federal Grant California Teacher Corps program, CSU Dominguez Hills, was recently awarded a five-year federal Transition to Teaching grant with partner Tulare County Office of Education. The California Teacher Corps will be helping to implement the grant, which will recruit and prepare STEM teachers in LA County and the Central Valley. This is part of a national effort by the U.S. Department of Education to recruit, prepare and support teachers, most especially second career professionals who want to transition into the teaching profession.
For more information on the federal grant, please read the U.S. Department of Education's announcement here.
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Our Teachers |
 | Tomas Ribota
Stockton, CA |
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With a previous 22-year law enforcement career, Tomas Ribota was looking for an opportunity to share his love of history and his previous career. A retired investigator from the San Joaquin County District Attorney, Tom saw an opportunity: as a second-career teacher he could use his skills learned as a DARE Officer and a sports coach, and make a big difference in the lives of students.
As a Mexican American, Tom reflects the diversity of his students and has been able to connect with them on a deep level. For the students that may be lacking a support system, Tom is able to build relationships and show them that he is invested in their achievement.
"I make sure students understand what is meant by respect, and that what I model in the classroom I expect the students to model with each other," Tom said about his teaching style. Last September, Tom challenged his students to an overnight trip at Lake Tahoe where the group completed a 26 mile bike ride and a five-mile hike over a two-day period. The experience paid off: the students who were sometimes disrespectful learned the value of cooperation and encouragement. The challenge built confidence and a belief in their ability to complete such a task, resulting in a lasting and positive impact. Tom's passion and dedication is impressive and contagious. The connection he builds with his students develops a safe learning community, making him an effective educator that deserves to be recognized.
Submitted by Carol Brigham
The Teacher Corps would like to highlight all the wonderful that have gone through our programs on our website, through the media and to the general public. Please share your teachers' stories with us by emailing information to info@cateachercorps.org. |
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Technical Assistance
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Support: A Key to Retention
California is facing a critical problem in our schools: the shortage of qualified teachers. By 2015, it is expected that we will fall short by 33,000 teachers as many retire or leave the profession. California sees 22 percent of teachers leave after the first four years, with ten percent of teachers in high-poverty schools transferring to other schools each year.
Programs can best retain teachers through preparing teacher candidates with coursework that focuses on taking theory and method to practice. The beauty of an alternative route to certification program is that we provide hands-on experience in the field with the support of a mentor, often seen as the most powerful factor of teacher preparation. High-quality, easy to access support systems and resources can help greatly increase teacher retention in even the most hard-to-staff schools.
Some ways mentors can help guide beginning teachers are:
- Modeling a strategy or technique in the teacher's classroom
- Reviewing written materials for the teacher (i.e. and IEP or Assessment)
- Allowing for time to observe other classes, teaching styles and other professional development opportunities, most especially from veteran teachers
- Planning a course, unit and/or lesson together
- Assisting in establishing the classroom environment
- Working side-by-side to construct an effective classroom management program
- Being available for advice and actively provide resources
- Sending links to key resources on the web, for example data collection tools
Submitted by Teacher Corps Board Member Belinda Dunnick Karge, California State University, Fullerton
The California Teacher Corps is an affiliate of the National Association for Alternative Certification (NAAC).
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