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ABOUT US

UC Merced Extension Education Programs has developed a plan for preparing teachers, which is defined by our Mission and Vision statements and is aligned with the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) and the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP), developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Mission

The UC Merced Extension Teacher Preparation Program exists to develop culturally responsive educators who equitably facilitate cross-disciplinary, integrative learning to catalyze student potential and empowerment.

Vision

The UC Merced Extension Teacher Preparation Program aspires to be a recognized model for developing culturally responsive teachers who are committed to empowering their students. The Teacher Preparation Program is aligned with the vision of the University of California, Merced—upholding 21st century priorities for interdisciplinary learning and public service. To achieve this aspiration, the Teacher Preparation Program:

  1. Aims to establish culturally respectful communication regarding questions, ideas, and solutions in the context of the Teacher Preparation Program courses and clinical placements.
  2. Aims to nurture collaboration between teacher candidates and students to achieve learning goals, maximizing collective talent and expertise.
  3. Aims to develop skills for critical and creative problem-solving among teacher candidates and students, applicable to all content domains.

Governance

The Curriculum Advisory Board provides oversight of Education Programs and Courses.

Chelsea Arnold, Ph.D., Program Director, SMI/CalTeach, UC Merced School of Natural Sciences

Mayya Tokman, Ph.D., Professor, Applied Mathematics and Faculty Director, SMI/CalTeach, UC Merced School of Natural Sciences

Zenaida Aguirre-Munoz, Ph.D., Professor, Cognitive Science, Cognitive and Information Sciences, UC Merced School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts

 

 

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Additional information is available by visiting the University of California | Office of the President and the California Department of Education.

Accreditation

The Teacher Preparation Program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

On August 6, 2021, The Commission on Teacher Credentialing granted full institutional approval to the University of California, Merced.

 
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