Program Overview

Pathways to Teaching Program

The Pathways to Teaching Program is an innovative partnership between the Santa Maria-Bonita School District and California Lutheran University's teacher credentialing program. This program provides students with the necessary preparation to develop their professional skills and become educators.

Program Highlights

• Classes are small, with accessible instructors and field supervisors who provide individual mentoring.
• Classes are offered at the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, featuring practical experience, small class sizes, and a supportive environment focused on TK-8 classrooms.
• The program boasts expert faculty comprising highly regarded practicing educators.
• The program begins in the spring semester.

A Balanced Approach

Teacher candidates work for two semesters alongside a veteran cooperating teacher, giving them the opportunity to connect theory to practice. This approach benefits students by providing a designated school site and classroom readily available for observation, participation in activities, and hands-on learning. Teachers from the Santa Maria-Bonita School District schools become partners with California Lutheran instructors, working together to provide opportunities to demonstrate and share a variety of techniques, practical experiences, and philosophies.

Program Tracks

The Pathways to Teaching Program offers two tracks:

• Multiple Subject Credential with TK and Bilingual Authorization
• Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild to Moderate Support Needs

Multiple Subject Credential

Foundations Courses

• EDLT 501: Theories of Teaching, Learning, and Development
• EDLT 502: Teaching English Learners and Diverse Student Populations
• EDLT 503: Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Environments
• EDLT 504: Theories and Policies of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism

Methods Courses (Residency Program- Student Teaching)

• EDTP 520: Leadership and Law in Diverse Classrooms
• EDTP 521: Literacy and Language in Diverse Classrooms
• EDTP 524: Methodology of Instruction in a Biliteracy
• EDTP 523: Introduction to Clinical Practice
• EDTP 511: Assessment

Clinical Courses (Full-Time Student Teaching)

• EDTP 535: Subject Specific Pedagogical Skills (Bilingual Education)
• EDTP 540: Clinical Practice
• EDTP 512: Teacher Performance Assessment Seminar
• EDLT 575: Spanish in the U.S.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree Option

After obtaining the credential, students can complete a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Leadership degree with only 3 additional classes, which helps with salary growth.

• EDGN 509: Introduction to Educational Research
• EDGN 510: Educational Research Design and Methodology
• EDGN 599: Thesis Research

Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild to Moderate Support Needs

Foundations Courses

• EDLT 500: Foundations of Education
• EDLT 501: Theories of Teaching, Learning, and Development
• EDLT 502: Teaching English Learners and Diverse Populations
• EDLT 503: Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Environments

Methods Courses (Residency Program- Student Teaching)

• EDSP 515: Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• EDSP 519: Assessment, Instruction, and Development of the Individual Educational Program
• EDSP 521: Literacy and Language in Diverse Classrooms
• EDSP 534a: Introduction to Clinical Practice (Mild/Moderate)

Clinical Courses

• EDSP 523: Planning and Instruction for Content Standards
• EDTP 525: Positive Behavior Supports and Collaboration
• EDSP 532: Supporting Students with Mild/Moderate Needs in the Classroom
• EDSP 534b: Clinical Practice (Mild/Moderate)

Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education Degree Option

After obtaining the credential, students can complete a Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education degree with only 2 additional classes, which helps with salary growth.

• EDGN 509: Introduction to Educational Research
• EDGN 510: Educational Research Design and Methodology
• EDGN 599: Thesis Research

Location

The program is located at the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, with addresses at 708 S. Miller Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454, and 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.