Teacher Recruitment Project

What is the Teacher Recruitment Project?
The Teacher Recruitment Project goals are two-fold:

1. to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing teaching as a career
2. to increase the number of teacher candidates in the fields of math and science.

The goal of the project is to recruit and prepare teachers who "mirror" the diverse student population in the schools we serve.

Who is the Teacher Recruitment Project for?
As noted above, the intent of the Teacher Recruitment Project is to create a teaching workforce to meet the math and science learning needs of the diverse student population in California schools. Students not only need highly qualified teachers, but they need teachers that reflect their identities. We believe this is important since teachers from diverse backgrounds can, among other things, serve as role models for their students, communicate in multiple ways with their students, serve as cultural mediators, employ a culturally-sensitive curriculum, reduce the potential for discriminatory practices against students of color, close the gap between communities/parents and the school, etc. Importantly, the Teacher Recruitment Project has not, cannot, and will not discriminate against anyone who seeks its services.

Who does the Teacher Recruitment Project work with?
The Teacher Recruitment Project works with and financially supports several local high schools and two local community colleges to build a pipeline of prospective candidates who are considering teaching as a profession. In addition, we reach out to Para-educators to encourage them to pursue teaching as a career. The project sponsors conferences each year that bring these groups to campus to learn more about teaching.

What activities/support does the Teacher Recruitment Project provide here on the CSUSM campus?
For students on the CSUSM campus, the project provides support through:

• Informational and motivational forums throughout the school year;
• Advice and problem solving assistance to students; and
• Scholarships and financial support to students

What kind of "advising" support can I receive?
The school provides time to the coordinators of the project to talk with and assist students who need information or are experiencing difficulty. While we can’t always solve every problem, we can usually direct you to the right university or college resources to help you move forward on problem resolution.

What financial support/scholarships are available?
Most monies kept here on the CSUSM campus go to scholarships for students. These scholarships provide around $500 per semester to students. We look at this as a "book scholarship" intended for persons who are considering teaching as a profession. Applicant’s movement toward the teaching credential determines the amount of the financial aid scholarship. For example, students who have met all the prerequisites for the teacher education program will receive a larger scholarship amount than will someone just beginning to meet the teacher education program requirements. These scholarships are provided in conjunction with the university financial aid office and are renewable annually (contingent upon the program continuing to receive funding).

What are some of the requirements I can pursue toward getting my teaching credential?
We would encourage you to consider the following:

• Prepare for, take, and pass the CBEST Basic Skills Test (state requirement)
• Prepare for, take, and pass the CSET California Subject Examination Test (state requirement)
• Work on getting good grades in all your coursework
• Take the three teacher education prerequisite classes:  EDUC 350, EDUC 364 & EDUC 422
• Develop a plan of courses you will take toward your bachelor’s degree with your liberal studies advisor (prospective elementary and middle school teachers) or subject area advisors (prospective secondary school teachers).
• Apply to one of the teacher education programs in the School of Education
• Complete your bachelor degree requirements
• Spend time in K-12 classrooms (volunteer or paid assistant)