Program Overview

Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP)

The Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) is a nationally renowned 12-month full-time program preparing future teacher leaders at the elementary and secondary levels. STEP integrates a high-quality academic program with a well-supported, yearlong classroom placement.

Program Details

• ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
• SECONDARY EDUCATION

Candidate Requirements

1. Strong Academic Preparation: The design of the program makes for an academically rigorous year. A record of academic success gives applicants the opportunity to succeed at the Master's level. Applicants to STEP Secondary should demonstrate a strong knowledge of and commitment to the subject matter of their teaching specialization (i.e., Math, Science, English, History/Social Science, or World Languages).
2. Experience with Youth: The desire to work compassionately and constructively with youth is essential for finding fulfillment and success as a teacher. We seek applicants with a range of meaningful prior experience with youth (e.g., experience as a camp counselor, athletic coach, special needs classroom assistant, church youth group leader, etc.).
3. Commitment to Teaching as a Profession: Our teacher candidates are committed to teaching for social justice, they recognize the value of working with diverse populations, and they are dedicated to equity and excellence for all students.
4. Collegiality, Professionalism, and Leadership: At its best, teaching is a collaborative, professional endeavor. Our Teacher Candidates work together to support shared goals and enhance the teaching profession.

Program Goals

At STEP, we strive to prepare expert teachers for leadership within and beyond the classroom.