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Developmental Teacher Education (DTE)


Developmental Teacher Education seeks to attract students who are dedicated to becoming exemplary elementary school teachers and who are willing to devote extra time to achieve that goal. The course of study is based on the fundamental premise that the quality of learning in the classroom is substantially improved when the educational process is understood as an interaction among developing individuals. One way this is achieved is through combining knowledge of subject matter and classroom organization with knowledge of children's cognitive and social development. Faculty specializing in human development and other aspects of education have designed courses that help students grow in their understanding of child development and the teaching of mathematics, science, social studies, reading, and writing. These courses also help students grow in their sensitivity to sociocultural factors that must be considered when adapting curricula to meet the educational needs of children from diverse communities.

The DTE program includes a two-year, full-time sequence of courses and student teaching leading to an M.A. degree and a Multiple Subject Credential. In addition to providing more time for intensive study of developmental theories and their educational implications, the two-year program also allows time for a gradual introduction to teaching in five student teaching placements that span the elementary school grades. Student teaching placements cover a broad spectrum of urban-suburban settings that provide practical experience across the range of California's diverse schools. Both course work and placements emphasize teaching strategies geared to the state's multicultural, multilingual classrooms. To facilitate continuity between developmental theory and educational practice, many student teaching placements are made with teachers who are DTE graduates.

The program culminates with the completion of a master's project that is concerned with the application of developmental principles to classroom practices. Although the DTE program draws heavily on psychological theory and research, a background in the social sciences is not required for admission. Experience working with children, preferably in a public elementary school setting, is expected of all applicants.

Required courses: EDUC 149, 158, 160, 207D, 211A-211B-211C-211D, 235, 246A, 283F, 289, 298C, four semesters of 390C, 391A, 319B.

For more information about the Developmental Teacher Education program, please visit the expanded page.


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