Elementary and Bilingual Education, Department of

Introduction
Degree Descriptions

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Programs and Courses Offered

Department Chair

Michelle Brye

Department Office/Website

Education Classroom Building 324
657-278-4794
ed.fullerton.edu/edel

Faculty

Erin Besser, Michelle Brye, Amy Cox-Petersen, Loretta Donovan, Barbara Finnell, Cynthia Gautreau, Tim Green, Malia Hoffmann, Pablo Jasis, Abigail Amoako Kayser, Kim Norman, Terri Patchen, Kristine Quinn, Mallika Scott, Michelle Soto-Peña, Carolina Valdez, Lisa Winstead

Introduction

The Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education at Cal State Fullerton provides exemplary preparation for candidates dedicated to improving teaching and learning for all children. The faculty members in the department are nationally recognized for their contributions to the field of education. Moreover, the Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education provides programs that meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements. The department is highly regarded as a leader in education whose candidates are well-prepared to act as change agents for the future.

The department offers teacher credential and master’s programs in a variety of areas – face to face, hybrid and online.

The university mission, college philosophy and department themes emphasize the active social nature of learning, the interconnection among ways of learning, the dispositions of inquiry and the relationship to the larger diverse society. The department is strongly committed to just, equitable and inclusive education.

Degree Descriptions

The Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Bilingual/Bicultural Education develops qualified bilingual/bicultural educators who can work as classroom or resource teachers and provide professional learning to other educators. It helps individuals teach others how to provide experiences in the cultural heritage of the target population and develop specific teaching techniques and methods in teaching reading and English language development. The program also helps individuals interpret and implement research related to bilingual, bicultural children.

The Master of Science in Educational Technology prepares educational technology leaders who understand and apply change theory to promote effective technology integration in learning environments. Students develop the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate innovative technologies and practices in formal and informal educational contexts in order to improve learner performance and achievement. Assignments and projects are directly applicable to students’ teaching, instructional coaching and professional contexts.

The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction helps classroom teachers advance their knowledge, skills and abilities; become informed about current research and practice in elementary teaching; and prepare for curriculum and instructional leadership roles in public and private schools, preschool-8th grade. Students may choose from a number of study plans, including general curriculum and instruction or an emphasis, such as: 1) the Education for Social Justice Emphasis, designed to meet the needs of educators working in today’s highly culturally and linguistically diverse schools and communities. Students examine education and schooling with a focus on social justice, addressing a broad range of socio-cultural dimensions and historical and current contexts, and explore and articulate interdisciplinary strategies to create educational equity and inclusion in their educational settings, particularly with regard to ethnicity/race, class, gender, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, language, nationality and migration status of CSUF students, families, teachers and communities; 2) the Early Childhood Education Emphasis, designed to meet the greater community and professional need for quality education during the critical early years of school. The educational demand for sound planning and instruction in preschool, kindergarten and the primary grades has increased the need for effective specialists in Early Childhood Education; 3) the Math and Science Emphasis, which responds to the urgent nationwide call for excellence in mathematics and science teaching at all levels, including pre-K through grade 8. The emphasis enriches and deepens teachers’ understanding of mathematics and science curriculum and pedagogy, provides the opportunity to promote problem solving specifically through the use of technology, and prepares teachers for leadership roles in their schools and districts in math and science. Contact the department for information about additional emphasis programs.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Application Deadlines

Please visit ed.fullerton.edu/edel for information on the credential and master’s programs.

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

Master of Science

Non-Degree

The Professional Teacher Preparation Program for the Multiple Subject (Elementary) Credential Program

Certificate

Certificate of Educational Technology Integration

Courses

Elementary and Bilingual Education

Courses are designated EDEL in the class schedule.