Faculty in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) at Cal State Long Beach have designed a program to help laid-off teachers.
Through the program, unemployed teachers in the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) will be able to work toward a single-subject credential in foundational level mathematics or general science.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about doing for a while, but it’s not something I could afford,” said Steve Richardt, who previously taught first- and third-grade at Chavez Elementary School and is currently participating in the program. He lost his job in June.
The program is being funded with the help of grants, CSULB’s Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative funding and support from the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network. This funding enables teachers to participate in the program at no cost, even covering fees required to take credential exams and file for credentials through CSULB.
“Teachers who complete the courses and already have a multiple or single-subject credential in a different subject will have a secondary credential that authorizes them to teach a range of areas inside their subject, such as algebra and geometry or introductory life science and physical science,” said Jeet Joshee, dean for the College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE).
The first group of 30 math students and 24 science students began their courses on Oct. 17. Richardt is included in the group of science students along with Ralph Paul Heilemann, a former sixth-grade teacher at Lindbergh Middle School.
“It is fun,” Heilemann said. “It’s broadening my knowledge and refreshing things I learned in high school and first years of college, things I really haven’t used in a long time.”
CNSM and CCPE are currently and collaboratively offering four three-unit upper division undergraduate classes, three of which focus on content and a fourth that focuses on instructional methods at middle and high school levels. The methods course includes field experiences that provide participants with the opportunity to teach K-12 students in whole-group, small-group and individual learning settings.
“This is a gateway, and Cal State Long Beach and people funding the money for the program have really come together and made this happen for us,” Richardt said. “It’s great.”
After completion of the program, Heilemann said he hopes to use the skills he develops to teach science in a middle school setting. Richardt said he looks forward to the possibility of being hired in LBUSD or another school district.
Some of Richardt’s friends and acquaintances, other laid-off teachers from LBUSD, are also participating in the program.
“To see these people again in something positive that’s happening — it’s probably been the first thing in a while to give me some hope,” he said.
Another group is expected to begin in the fall of 2012.
For more information on credential programs, contact Regina Cash at [email protected].
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