Teacher Education

The mission of the Kalmanovitz School of Education (KSOE) is to prepare teachers, administrators and counselors to be competent practitioners and agents for positive personal and social change. The Kalmanovitz School of Education is a student-centered learning community that inspires excellence and innovation in counseling, education, and leadership. Through the practice of shared inquiry, collaborative learning, and community engagement, we empower our students to lead change according to the principles of social justice and the common good.

Saint Mary’s College of California was founded on the ideals of Saint John Baptist De la Salle, the patron saint of teachers. De la Salle believed that high-quality education should be made available to all, and the Teacher Education Department in the Kalmanovitz School of Education (KSOE) follows in his footsteps.

Through active and collaborative learning, we prepare students to be effective and innovative educators, to put the learner first, and to work toward the elimination of educational inequities based on race, ethnicity, culture, gender, social class, language, or disability.

For individuals who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree we offer five different teaching credentials which can be completed in one year, including both college courses and student teaching (field placements).

Teaching Elementary or Middle School

Our Preliminary Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential program prepares teachers to work in K-8 schools, either as an elementary school teacher or as a teacher of core subjects in a middle school (teaching at least two subjects).

Teaching Middle School or High School

Our Preliminary Single Subject California Teaching Credential program prepares teachers for teaching in a designated subject area. We offer credentials in eight subject areas:

Mathematics
Science
History-Social Science
Art
World Language
Music
Physical Education

Teaching Students with Special Needs

Our Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate) California Teaching Credential program prepares teachers to work in diverse settings with K-12 students with:

Autism spectrum disorder
Emotional disturbances
Learning disabilities
Mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities
Traumatic brain injury
Other health impairments including Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Teacher Education Programs

For undergraduate students, in partnership with the Justice, Community and Leadership (JCL) program, there are two undergraduate pathways leading to a teaching credential at Saint Mary’s College.

JCL Integrated Special Education Teacher Education Preparation (INSTEP) The Saint Mary’s College Integrated Special Education Teacher Preparation Program (INSTEP) prepares future K-12 educators in their undergraduate pathway to become educational specialists.

JCL Multiple Subject Teacher Education Concentration (MSTE) - The MSTE Integrated prepares future elementary classroom teachers. With a strong emphasis on inclusive pedagogy and social justice education, our integrated 4-year BA program emphasizes early placement experience, critical pedagogy, and research-based teaching practices.

Single Subject 4+1 Minor - Incoming first-year students and qualifying sophomores who are committed to becoming middle or high school teachers may declare this minor. This special program enables students to integrate education coursework and field experience in middle and high schools with their undergraduate course of study. With a major in the discipline they would like to teach (History, English, etc.), students will gain the critical framework and field experience necessary to be a transformative educator. Students proceed through the SS4+1 minor in a cohort with TFT and other Single Subject 4+1 minors, taking many of their minor courses and all of their field experience with other cohort members.

Please refer to the following link for more information on different pathways: stmarys-ca.edu/tft

Programs of Study

The Kalmanovitz School of Education offers coursework leading to basic teaching credentials, Master of Arts, and Master of Education.

Multiple Subject

Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential
Master of Arts in Teaching

Single Subject

Preliminary Single Subject Credential
Master of Arts in Teaching

Special Education

Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential
Master of Education Degree
Master of Arts in Teaching

Early Childhood Education

Master of Arts Degree
Master of Education Degree in Applied
Developmental Education

Montessori Education

Minor for undergraduate students in Montessori Thought
American Montessori Society Early Childhood Credential
American Montessori Society Elementary Education Credential
Master of Arts Degree
Master of Education Degree
Master of Arts in Teaching

The Kalmanovitz School of Education publishes a separate student handbook and catalog of courses describing its graduate programs. Please consult the KSOE website: stmarys-ca.edu/kalmanovitz-school-of-education