Teacher Preparation Pipeline Program helps students interested in teaching careers
Entering its third year, the Teacher Preparation Pipeline Program has been helping students figure out whether or not a career in teaching is right for them.
With the state awardingSaddleback College a grant to find students who are interested in becoming Career Technical Education instructor, the time is better than ever for those planning on joining the program.
“The goal of the TPP grant is to attract, encourage, and prepare students to become CTE teachers,” said Counselor Jennifer Forster.
The TPP provides Saddleback students pursuing a career in secondary education with an excellent opportunity to shadow teachers and engage in paid internships with local high school CTE classes.
“The program is a good opportunity for students to discover if teaching is a career for them,” said Program Technician Jorge Guerrero.
Many other colleges like California State Long Beach, University of California Irvine, and California State Fullerton are partners with Saddleback through this program.
Students admitted into the TPP program need to enroll in a 4-unit California State University transferable course (EDUC 115)-Principles of Career/Technical Preparation for High School class.
.
The course explores personal and professional views of teaching along with methods and practices of instruction and learning.
“All students enrolled in EDUC 15 are required to meet with a specialized TPP academic counselor at least once during the semester,” said Forster.
At the same time they are taking the class, they begin being a teacher’s helper at a high school approximately five hours per week, making $10 per hour.”
For example, students are placed into courses such as automotive, wood shop, and graphic design, and must complete a total of 50 hours to meet the course requirements.
There are three pathways to enter the CTE program: Teach Career Technical Education: Adult Education Teaching Credential, Career Technical Education Teaching Credential, and Community College Instructor.