9:48am | In an effort to assist laid-off teachers from the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) is offering single-subject credentials in foundational level mathematics and general science through its College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE).
 
The first cohort of 30 math students and 30 science students began taking the credential courses Oct. 17.
 
All courses are being offered at no cost to participants.  Fees are being covered with the help of grants to CSULB and LBUSD as well as support from the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network (PGWIN).  That includes the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) test fees and filing fees for the credential through CSULB.  This support will enable eligible participants to qualify for additional services such as childcare, transportation, job placement assistance and counseling services.
 
Four three-unit, upper-division undergraduate classes are being offered, three of which are focusing on content and one that is focused on instructional methods at the secondary level, both middle and high school instruction.  Field experiences will augment all four courses and will provide opportunities for participants to engage in teaching with K-12 students in whole-group, small-group and individual learning settings.
 
“The courses will greatly benefit recently laid-off Long Beach Unified teachers who are interested in earning a foundational level mathematics credential or a foundational level general science credential,” said Jeet Joshee, CSULB’s dean for CCPE.  “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.”
 
Another cohort is expected to begin in fall 2012.
 
For more information about these credential programs, contact Regina Cash at rcash@ccpe.csulb.edu or 562-985-8358.

Shaun Lumachi is chairman of the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Board of Directors.