by Ann-Marie Sanchez
Staff Writer
The Teacher Education Program at the University of La Verne, with a long and honored tradition in teacher training, continues to flourish. Designed for both elementary and secondary teaching certification by the State of California, the program consists of 28 units (each with fieldwork) and one semester of student teaching.
“Our program has a good reputation. It is more likely that a school will hire a ULV graduate because of our reputation,” said John M. Roseman, assistant professor of education and director of teacher education for the past five years.
The Education Department offers a multiple subjects credential (elementary) and a single subject credential (secondary). According to Roseman, most students continue after their certification and go on to receive their master’s degree.
“The average salary for a teacher in the public school system is $27,000 to $30,000 a year with a master’s degree,” he said. Students get their master’s also because the curriculum can be applied directly to their teaching.
According to Roseman, what is unique about the program is its emphasis on interpersonal skills and a humanistic approach to teaching.
“Our real strength is to be able to relate to children,” explained Dr. Tom Mc Guire, chairperson of the Education Department.
Another important aspect of the teacher education program is the student teaching experience.
“Student teaching is the culminating experience in the program,” said Roseman. It is during this period of time when a student receives his/hers hands-on training in the classroom. They prepare the lesson plans, and teach and interact with the children on a day-to-day basis for a full semester.
There have been changes made to the program when the requirements for state certification became greater.
For example, classes which offer cultural awareness, critical thinking, creative problem solving as well as utilizing technology in classroom instruction were added to the curriculum recently.
“It can be difficult for the University to keep up with the latest technology,” said Roseman.
The teacher education staff includes Dr. Robert Burns, professor of education; Dr. James Dunne, professor of education; and Joan Hanor, assistant professor of education.
Admission into the program requires the completion of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), a 2.75 GPA for all coursework, a 3.9 GPA in all major coursework, demonstration of writing competency and interview with the department staff.
