Gateways to Teaching Can Help You Become A Highly Qualified Teacher
Chaffey College has created a teaching program for students who wish to start preparing to become K-12 teachers. The program offers early guidance, support and preparation for a teaching career. This program is a free service for all Chaffey students.
We Provide Services to Help You Succeed
Personalized Counseling
Updates on the teaching profession
Gateways to Teaching Newsletters
Information about up-and-coming education classes, workshops and events related to teaching
Opportunity for hands-on experience in K-12 classrooms
Opportunity to earn reference letters from professionals in the teaching field
A chance to build a portfolio of successful teaching ideas
A CBEST Preparation Workshop, free to Gateways Members
A Certificate of Completion
We Can Help You Transfer Efficiently
The state of California is in the process of changing its requirements for teacher credentialing. Without guidance, many students take unnecessary classes, are misinformed about the credentialing process and may waste time and money while trying to become a teacher. As a member, you will be given both valuable and accurate information regarding the credentialing process. You can be assigned to a program counselor who will help you build an efficient Education Plan, declare a major and choose a transfer school.
We Can Help You Decide If Teaching Is For You
Gateways offers work experience in K-12 classrooms so you may explore the profession. We want you to feel confident about your decision to teach.
We Can Help You Decide What Level and Subject To Teach
Gateways helps you explore your teaching options, meet teachers in your field of interest and work in diverse classrooms. We want to help you make an informed choice about the age-level and subject matter you wish to teach.
Getting Started
1.
Apply and enroll to become a Chaffey College student.
2.
Complete the attached interest form and return it by mail or in person to the Gateways Office.
3.
Check out our website. Application materials and other Gateways to Teaching Program information are available online at www.chaffey.edu/gtp/.
4.
Return your completed Application, Reference Form and a 1 page, double-spaced essay about your interest in teaching to the Gateways office.
5.
Schedule an appointment with D.E. Creasy Valdez, to make a Gateways Education Plan. Call the Counseling office at 909/652-6200.
6.
Make an appointment with the Gateways toTeaching Coordinator for additional information and assistance to help you fulfill your goal of becoming a teacher.
The State of California Needs Highly Qualified Teachers
The United States is expected to hire 2.4 million teachers in the next 10 years (Gursky, 2001). Student enrollment is increasing and a record number of vacancies are being created by the retirement of teachers from the “baby boomer” era.
What Does it Take to Become a Teacher?
In the state of California it takes 5 steps to become a teacher.
1. Earn a B.A. Degree
Choose a major that will help you prepare to teach a particular subject matter. Future elementary teachers often major in Liberal Studies. Lower - division coursework can be completed at a Community College. Upper-division coursework must be completed at a 4-Year University.
2. Prove Competency in Basic Skills
Pass the CBEST, a test of basic math, reading and writing skills.
3. Prove Subject Matter Competency
Pass the CSET in the subject you wish to teach. You will be more likely to succeed if you major in your subject matter. The Liberal Studies Major will help you prepare for the Elementary Subject Matter Test.
4. Earn a California Teaching Credential
Complete professional preparation through coursework, fieldwork and student teaching after completing the B.A degree or while earning a B.A. Degree in an Integrated Teacher Preparation Program.
5. Receive Background Clearance
Register legal fingerprints and show proof of a negative Tuberculosis Test.
