California State University, Stanislaus has been awarded a substantial grant designed to aid California’s K-12 teacher shortage.
A $240,127 grant was given to a total of 17 California State University campuses from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to build four-year teacher programs in an effort to increase the amount of teacher candidates graduating early. Traditionally a fifth year is required following graduation.
The university says a special focus of the grant is to expand the number of teacher candidates receiving STEM (science, technology engineering and math), bilingual and special education credentials. Each of those areas are much needed in California.
“This important grant will help Stanislaus State continue to serve the needs of our region through preparing the next generation of highly qualified and effective STEM teachers who will be critical to educating the next generation of science and math literate students,” said Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn in a release from the university. “I stand with our dedicated faculty and our campus in sharing pride that we’ve been chosen for this grant and I can’t wait for this new four-year credential program to begin.”
The four-year programs will start at the beginning of the 2018-19 academic year and are expected to also save hopeful teachers about $20,000 in education costs.
