Cerritos College, CA, Teacher Preparation and Mentor Corps for the Selected Colleges
Teacher TRaining ACademy (TRAC), a fully articulated two-year program of courses for future mathematics, science and technology teachers
Strong leadership, institutional support, community relationships, faculty expertise and commitment, student centeredness, and a technologically rich environment have all contributed to the establishment, growth and success of the Cerritos College Teacher TRaining ACademy (Teacher TRAC). Teacher TRAC, whose leadership team was honored in 2001 with the Chair Academy's "Outstanding International Regional Leadership Award", gives future K-8 teachers an opportunity to complete their bachelor's degree, student teaching and preliminary multi-subject teaching credential in four calendar years. Teacher TRAC has a strong commitment to the recruitment, development, and preparation, of diverse, highly qualified teachers. The Teacher TRAC Program draws students from local high schools, including those coming from teacher preparation "Academies". New high school pathways and academies have been created in a number of high schools. Teacher TRAC offers the opportunity for students to formally participate in early observation and fieldwork experiences and education courses under the supervision of master teachers. While at Cerritos College, Teacher TRAC students complete a minimum of 68.5 transferable units (24 courses). 21.5 units (7 courses) are mathematics and science courses specifically designed and target for future teachers. In addition, Teacher TRAC program faculty focus on integrating the K-8 content and California Professional Teaching standards and technology into their curriculum and continue to rethink and reflect on their pedagogical practices. Last May, Cerritos College was the first community college in California to have a group of student complete an integrated K-8 program, transfer to a partner university program and graduate from an integrated teacher preparation program having completed their B.A., student teaching and credential. The advent of this program has seen a significant growth in math and science concentrators at the university.
Curriculum
- 2-year program of courses aligned with the California content and professional teaching standards as well as the California technology standards.
- Fully articulated, fully integrated, "Targeted for Future Teacher" lower division curriculum mirrors almost exactly the first two years at the partner university
- 3 mathematics courses specifically for elementary school teachers
- 4 science courses with labs specifically for elementary school teachers
- Education courses
- Professional portfolio development
- Fieldwork with master teachers as part of state credential requirement
- Attendance at statewide mathematics, science, and technology conferences
- Future Teacher's Club
- Teacher TRAC center - staffed by a full-time program assistant and clerical assistant
- Full-time program director, 2/3 time service learning/fieldwork coordinator, ½ time program counselor
- Part-time high school outreach coordinator
- Part-time program faculty development coordinator
- Web site (www.teachertrac.com)
- Printed articles and materials
- Recipient of many State and Federal Grants
- Ongoing extensive program evaluation and student tracking
- Established Scholarships for future teachers
Mentors
Sue Parsons, Associate Professor of Mathematics; and Director, Teacher Training Academy, (TRAC), and Cheryl Shimazu, Associate Professor of Chemistry; and Co-Director, Teacher Training Academy, (TRAC).
For more information, contact Wendy Taylor, 601.984.3545.
