This is due to increasing numbers of teachers retiring and to the growth of school age children. It is estimated that California will need 300,000 new teachers in the next ten years. The shortage of bilingual teachers will be particularly critical. This is particularly the case for Spanish speaking teachers who are trained to teach diverse learners. This program is designed for future teachers and accepts individuals with a high school diploma, GED, or above and practicing para-professionals.
Students apply for a liberal studies BA and upon completion, pursue a fifth year credential program.
The Future Teacher Mentor Program and Maestros Program are designed to increase the number of minority and bilingual teachers in the region. It recognizes that effective teachers come from the communities that are in greatest need for bilingual instruction. Its goal is to support and encourage students at the undergraduate level to obtain their BA degrees and become fully credentialed as bilingual teachers. Candidates must meet all entrance requirements and pass all tests for the Bilingual Internship Program. In order to apply for a scholarship, eligible applicants must submit the application form.