Pathways to Teaching Program

Become an educator through one of two tracks: Multiple Subject Credential With TK and Bilingual Authorization and Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild to Moderate Support Needs.

An innovative partnership between Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) and Cal Lutheran's teacher credentialing program, Pathways to Teaching provides you with the necessary preparation to develop your professional skills in education.

The Pathways to Teaching Program is characterized by its rigor and relevance to today’s increasingly diverse schools. Classes are small, instructors are accessible, and field supervisors provide individual mentoring.

The Time to Prepare is Now

Teachers are once again in demand. The prospect of growth for careers in education is high, with an expected turnover of over 100,000 teachers within the next decade due to retirement (California Teachers Association). The next few years will see the most openings for educational professionals in generations.

Highlights

  • Classes offered at the Santa Maria-Bonita School District
  • Quality hands-on education featuring practical experience, small class sizes, and a supportive environment
  • Expert faculty of highly regarded practicing educators
  • This program will focus on TK-8 classrooms

Learn More

Interested in this program? We'd love to connect with you! Reach out to learn more and get started today.

Lauren Prieto
Graduate Admission Counselor
(805) 493-3654
lprieto@callutheran.edu 

Next Information Session
Santa Maria Open House
Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025
5:30 - 7:30 pm

View all sessions

A Rich, Balanced Approach

In Pathways to Teaching, teacher candidates work for two semesters alongside a veteran cooperating teacher, giving them the same opportunity to connect theory to practice.

You will benefit by having a designated school site and classroom readily available for observation, participation in activities, and hands-on learning. Teachers from SMBSD schools become partners with Cal Lutheran instructors and work together to provide opportunities to demonstrate and share a variety of techniques, practical experiences and philosophies.

This partnership will ultimately benefit you by providing high quality learning experiences rooted in research-based teaching methodology.

Courses by Program Track

*With TK and Bilingual Authorization

Foundations Courses

  • EDLT 501: Theories of Teaching Learning and Development
  • ELDT 502: Teaching English Learners and Diverse Student Populations
  • EDLT 503: Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Environments
  • EDLT 504: Theories and Policies of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism

Methods Courses (Residency Program- Student Teaching)

  • EDTP 520: Leadership and Law in Diverse Classrooms
  • EDTP 521: Literacy and Language in Diverse Classrooms
  • EDTP 524: Methodology of Instruction in a Biliteracy
  • EDTP 523: Introduction to Clinical Practice
  • EDTP 511: Assessment

Clinical Courses (Full-Time Student Teaching)

  • EDTP 535: Subject Specific Pedagogical Skills (Bilingual Education)
  • EDTP 540: Clinical Practice
  • EDTP 512: Teacher Performance Assessment Seminar
  • EDLT 575: Spanish in the U.S.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree Option

After obtaining your credential through this program, you can complete a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Leadership degree for only 3 additional classes, which helps with salary growth (close to 50% of all California public school teachers hold a master’s degree).

  • EDGN 509: Introduction to Educational Research
  • EDGN 510: Educational Research Design and Methodology
  • EDGN 599: Thesis Research
Location

Santa Maria-Bonita School District

708 S. Miller Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
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