Cal Lutheran University Department of Learning and Teaching

Our programs are characterized by their rigor and relevance to today's increasingly diverse schools. Classes are small, professors are accessible, and field supervisors provide individual mentoring.

The program is divided into three distinct stages of course work: Foundations, Methods, and Full-Time Student Teaching. Course work taken at the graduate level applies toward the optional M.Ed in Teacher Leadership degree.

Hands-on classroom experience
Professional Development Schools (PDSs) are innovative partnerships between K-12 schools and university teacher credentialing programs. In a PDS, teacher candidates work for one or two semesters alongside a veteran cooperating teacher, giving them the same opportunity to connect theory to practice.

You will benefit by having a designated school site readily available for observation, participation in activities, and hands-on learning. Teachers from our K-12 partner schools become partners with Cal Lutheran professors and work together to provide opportunities to demonstrate and share a variety of techniques, practical procedures and philosophies.
These partnerships ultimately will benefit you by providing high quality learning experiences rooted in research-based teaching methodology.

Candidates in the Special Education credential programs benefit from an integration of theoretical knowledge with an abundance of opportunities for practical application in meaningful settings.
The credential programs feature specialized tracks in Mild to Moderate (MTM) and Moderate to Severe (MTS) disabilities, and are distinct from similar programs in the region due to the extensive personal support and empowerment training. Classes rarely exceed 20 students, and the faculty is comprised of highly regarded professional practitioners in the field.