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Faculty

Chairperson: Yvette Lapayese

Professors: Marta Baltodano, Edmundo F. Litton, Shane P. Martin, Marta Sanchez

Associate Professors: Marta Baltodano, Yvette Lapayese

Assistant Professors: Ernesto Colin, Michael A. Gottfried, Philip E. Molebash

Clinical Faculty: Michael Castiglione, Katharine Clemmer, Katie Laskasky, Jennifer Lee, Frank Montejano, Diana Murphy

Lecturers: Kevin Baxter, John Tyler Binfet, Elizabeth Brewer, Stephen Brown, William Crean, Eleanor Eskey, Charlene Fried, Lisa Knatcal, Jacqueline Hansen, Paul McGarry, Kelly Montes de Oca, Lori Pawinski, Mario Perez, Peggy Ann Rawn, Joanne Slater, Patricia Swiderski, Jan Tibbetts-Van Horn

Contact Information

Chairperson: Yvette Lapayese

Phone: 310.568.6853

E-mail: ylapayese@lmu.edu

Location: University Hall 2400

Introduction

The Department of Specialized Programs in Urban Education offers credential and Master of Arts degree programs designed for teachers who are employed as the teacher of record in either a private or public school. The Department prepares teachers to work in urban settings where the student population is economically, linguistically, and culturally diverse.

Admission Requirements

Each specialized program cohort in Urban Education has special admission requirements in addition to the requirements listed in this section. Additional admission requirements for these specialized program cohorts are communicated to applicants during the admission process.

1. Graduate Application and Fee
2. Statement of Intent: Applicants must write a 3- to 5-page essay describing how their experience and professional goals are compatible with the Mission and Goals of the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit letters of recommendation. Some specialized cohort programs ask candidates use specific recommendation forms.
4. Grade Point Average Requirement: This requirement is met in one of three ways:
   1. A cumulative undergraduate degree GPA of 2.8 or higher
   2. A GPA of 2.85 of higher in the last 60 units of the applicant’s undergraduate degree
   3. A GPA of 3.0 or higher obtained in 9 semester hours of graduate work
      Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement will need to file an appeal with the Exceptions Committee.
5. Transcripts: Applicants must submit two sets of official transcripts in sealed envelopes with their application. The transcript for the undergraduate degree must show that the undergraduate degree has been posted. Applicants who have attended more than one college or university must submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
6. Basic Skills Proficiency Requirement: All credential applicants must meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing basic skills requirement. An official passing score on one of the following examinations is required to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills:
   1. The California Basic Skills Examination Test (CBEST)
   2. CSET Multiple Subjects plus Writing Section (for multiple subjects only)
7. Subject Matter Competency: All credential applicants must meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing subject matter requirement. This requirement can be met in the following ways:
   1. Passing score on the appropriate examination in the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)
   2. Completion of an approved subject matter program (for single subject candidates only).
8. Certificate of Clearance: Candidates must be able to successfully apply for a Certificate of Clearance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing prior to teaching full time.
9. Technology Requirement: Candidates must satisfy the technology requirement through self-verification of basic technology skills or by completion of on approved course.
10. Interview: Candidates will be asked to schedule an interview with the appropriate program personnel.
11. Verification of Employment: Applicants must document employment as a full time teacher using the appropriate form provided by the Department.

Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocesan School Teachers

Director: Beth Brewer

The LMU|LA CAST program is offered in the School of Education through a partnership with the Department of Catholic School of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Candidates in the program are able to complete a  Master of Arts Degree and a State of California 2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential. The LMU|LA CAST program is an important professional development opportunity for educators employed in Catholic Schools. Some of the unique features of the program include:

• Saturday classes
• Classes are taught in a hybrid format (traditional classes combined with on-line classes)
• Substantial scholarships are offered
• Candidates have the opportunity to collaborate with other Catholic school teachers
• Candidates are required to infuse technology in teaching and learning

To be eligible for the LMU|LA CAST program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. All the admission requirements outlined in the sections for teaching credentials in Multiple and Single subjects for University Interns and Teacher Practitioners
2. Candidates must be a full-time teacher or administrator in a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Administrators (e.g., Vice Principal, Principal) must be able to teach at least part-time while enrolled in the LMU|LA CAST program. Teacher aides or pre-school teachers are not eligible for the LMU|LA CAST program.
3. Candidates must attend an information meeting held in October (for Spring admission) and February (for Fall admission). Information on these meetings is given to principals of Catholic schools and is also available from the School of Education.
4. All candidates complete the program as a cohort and must be able to commit to the two-year program. Candidates must sign a contract agreeing to program conditions prior to starting the LMU|LA CAST program.

Teach for America Partnership

Director: Edmundo F. Litton

This comprehensive two-year program combines coursework for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education with a preliminary teaching credential while participating in Teach for America in Los Angeles. The Bilingual Crosscultural Academic and Language Development or BCLAD teaching credential (Spanish emphasis) can be added to the credential if a candidate meets the requirements of this program. A Master of Arts in Child and Adolescent Literacy or Education Administration may be available to applicants who already have a teaching credential, pending transcript evaluation.

Introduction

The School of Education is committed to social justice and closing the achievement gap in our most under-resourced schools. In order to advocate for education in our Los Angeles community, the School of Education has partnered with Teach for America (TFA), the national corps of outstanding leaders of all academic majors who commit to teach in public schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to expand opportunity for children. The LMU|TFA Partnership provides graduate trainingand support for TFA teachers in the Los Angeles area. This partnership program requires that candidates work full-time in a Los Angeles area public school district while they pursue a Master of Arts in Education and a State of California 2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential. Participants in this program may be eligible for an AmeriCorps educational award through their TFA membership. Participants are also eligible for an LMU tuition grant that is contingent on full-participation in all related grant programs and completion of the two-year program.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the LMU|TFA Partnership is limited to candidates who have been admitted and matriculate to TFA in the Los Angeles region. Admission to the program is contingent upon the availability of space and meeting all deadlines.

Candidates must complete all admission requirements outlined in either the Multiple Subjects or Single Subjects credential program as described in respective sections. Please refer to the Teacher Practitioner/Intern sections of Elementary or Secondary Education  in this Bulletin for more details.

Program Requirements

LMU|TFA Partnership students admitted to the program are required to attend the Welcome Orientation Weekend in August. The orientation includes such topics as program expectations, the academic program, dispositions, fieldwork requirements, financial aid, student account responsibilities, and registration. Eligible students are also required to participate in all institutional grants.

Recommended Coursework Sequence for Combined Master of Arts in Urban Education and Credential Program (degree pending approval)

LMU|TFA Partnership students take their coursework over a period of two years. Exceptions to the recommended sequence must be approved by the Department Chair and Credential Manager.

The sequence of professional coursework is outlined at the August Orientation. The LMU|TFA Partnership is comprehensive and includes all the coursework and field experience required to obtain a preliminary teaching credential and Master of Arts degree.

PLACE Corps - Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education

Director: Diana Murphy

Introduction

This comprehensive two-year program combines coursework for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education or Master of Arts in Secondary Education with a State of California 2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential while participating in a Catholic teacher service corps. A Master of Arts in Reading Instruction or Special Education may be available to applicants who have had an undergraduate emphasis in education coursework, pending transcript evaluation.

The PLACE Corps is a nationally recognized teaching service corps in partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the University of Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE). The PLACE Corps is built upon three pillars: spirituality, community, and professional development. This University program incorporates full-time teaching in an under-resourced Los Angeles Archdiocesan elementary or high school with an academic program through the School of Education.

The ideal candidate for the PLACE Corps is an enthusiastic recent college graduate who has an appreciation for Catholic education and wishes to “give something back.” The PLACE Corps member, serving as a role model in Catholic schools, will be instrumental in maintaining the traditions of Catholic education in Los Angeles.

The ideal candidate has an ardent desire to work with young people. There are no prerequisite courses, other than a Bachelor’s degree in any field. PLACE Corps recruits nationally. Interested students in the local area should attend an information meeting in the fall and subsequent application distribution meeting.

PLACE Corps members work under contract as teachers for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon the availability and offer a compatible teaching position in an Archdiocesan PLACE Corps partner school. A portion of the Corps member’s salary will contribute toward housing and other member expenses.

Participants of this service corps may be eligible for the AmeriCorps Educational Award and an LMU grant which contribute toward tuition.

PLACE Corps members are required to maintain a single lifestyle during their two-year commitment.

Those admitted to the new cohort are required to attend the Orientation Weekend in April. The orientation includes such topics as program expectation, the academic program, housing, and program funding. Incorporated into the weekend is an opportunity for the PLACErs to meet their principals. Contracts for employment will be offered by the Archdiocese through the individual school.

Application Deadline: The application deadline for PLACE Corps is January 31. The full-time commitment begins the subsequent summer.

Admission Requirements

The PLACE Corps admits an average of 25 members per cohort. Admissionb to the PLACE Corps requires the following:

1. Candidates must complete all admission requirements outlined in either the Multiple Subject or Single Subjects credential program as described in respective sections. Please refer to the Teacher Practitioner/ Intern sections of Elementary or Secondary Education  in this bulletin for more details.
2. Graduate Division application, PLACE Corps application, statement of intent, three letters of recommendation, signed letter of commitment, and a Judicial Affairs clearance
3. Interview with PLACE Corps Candidate Selection Committee
4. Observation Hours: All candidates must present acceptable evidence of having completed at least 20 hours of observation in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting within the age range they are planning to teach. It is beneficial to the candidate to do so within a public school setting as these 20 hours may be applied towards the 60 hours of public school observations required for credential requirements for teachers in private and parochial schools. Any remaining hours of public school observations still required may be completed during the first summer of PLACE Corps participation.

Program Requirements

PLACE Corps members will begin their two-year commitment with participation in a program summer retreat designed to support and inspire members. Participants are invited to become actively involved in ongoing spiritual aspects of the program while fully engaged in the community.

In addition to specific program requirements, PLACErs must satisfy all contractual obligations of the school to which they are assigned.

In the fall, while living in community, PLACE Corps members will begin their teaching, along with taking two classes (generally one night per week) each semester.

For the most part, over the two-year period, PLACE Corps members will be enrolled in courses as a cohort. If a PLACEr has an academic background which includes prior education courses, the PLACE Corps staff will work with the PLACEr in making appropriate adjustments to his/her respective course of study. Exceptions to the recommended sequence must be approved by both the PLACE Corps director and coordinator. PLACErs must take only their prescribed courses and may not take any additional coursework concurrently.

The sequence of academic coursework will be outlined at the Orientation Weekend in April. The PLACE Corps academic program is comprehensive and includes all the coursework and field experience required to obtain a State of California 2042 Preliminary  Teaching Credential and Master of Arts degree.

Center for Equity for English Learners

Contact Information

Director: Magaly Lavadenz

Phone: 310.338.2924

E-mail: mlavadenz@lmu.edu

Associate Director: Elvira G. Armas

Location: University Hall 2600

Introduction

The Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL) was established in 2006, with support from Bank of America, for the purpose of improving educational outcomes of English Learners (ELs). The Center’s research and professional development agendas will inform leadership and instructional practices for the state’s 1.5 million English Learners and the nation’s 3.5 million English Learners. CEEL’s mission is to pursue equity and excellence in the education of English Learners by transforming schools and educational systems through the Center’s research and professional development agendas. An integral component of this work is the development of advocacy-oriented leadership. Educators who utilize students’ cultural and language resources while developing students’ academic competencies have the potential to significantly transform schools and educational systems.

CMAST-Center for Math and Science Teaching

Contact Information

Director: Kathy Clemmer

Phone: 310.338.3783

Email: kclemmer@lmu.edu

Location: University Hall 1300

Introduction

CMAST is dedicated to strengthening science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and STEM-related fields by transforming the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.

CMAST’s goals are:

• Creating a professional learning community comprised of faculty, teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members dedicated to increasing student engagement and achievement in mathematics and science
• Finding and sharing solutions that increase the number of students who pursue science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and science and mathematics teaching as careers
• Building teacher retention by providing opportunities for shared leadership between transformational teacher leaders, administrators, and parents
• Designing, strengthening, and sharing best practices in teaching and learning to improve teacher quality and collegereadiness

LAMS-Los Angeles Math and Science Residency

Introduction

The Los Angeles Math and Science Residency (LAMS) is an innovative and rigorous year-long teacher training partnership program that integrates practice, content, theory, and pedagogy through an in-field apprenticeship model within The Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools in the Los Angeles region.

The LAMS Program advances student achievement by developing highly trained, effective math and science teachers for high-needs schools who will become future transformative leaders in math and science education.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the LAMS Residency Program, you must:

• be a college graduate with a B.A. or B.S., preferably in mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics (minimum 3.0 GPA)
• have strong math or science content knowledge, at a minimum, candidates must have a minor in mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics
• have passed the Math or Science tests for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) and California Basic Skills Test (CBEST)
• desire to pursue a teaching career and become a highly effective math or science teacher and future transformative leader in Los Angeles urban schools serving low income and minority students
• have an unwavering commitment to teaching in urban schools for at least 4 years

Course Requirements

• EDUR 5500 Edu Prctcs in Sec Math & Sci
   
• EDUR 5501 Edu in Actn Sec Math/Sci Clsrm
   
• EDUR 5503 Diff Edu Actn Sec Mth/Sci Urb
   
• EDUR 5505 Rsrch Math/Sci Prac Urb Ed
   
• EDES 8000 Health Education 
• EDCE 5950 TPA 1:
   
• EDCE 5951 TPA 2: Subject Designing
   
• EDCE 5952 TPA 3:
   
• EDCE 5953 TPA 4:
   

Programs

• Urban Education, M.A. (Only open to Teach for America)

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