Special education program offering new residencies

One-year programs start this fall at two Bakersfield school districts

By California State University, Bakersfield

April 5^th, 2022

California State University, Bakersfield students studying to become special education teachers will have new opportunities this fall to get some hands-on learning experience.

The university’s special education program is launching two new residencies next school year, one at the Bakersfield City School District and the other at Greenfield Unified School District. These are the first special education credential residency programs to be offered in Kern County, according to the university.

“We’re happy to have this opportunity to impact schools in a way that’s positive and brings working with students with disabilities to the forefront,” said Dr. Sarana Roberts, director and assistant professor of the special education program. “Being able to provide teachers who will be more qualified to serve in that capacity is very exciting for our candidates, our district partners and the community at large.”

During the one-year program, residents will teach special education students three days a week with the assistance of a mentor from the school district they’re working in. Residents will spend Thursdays and Fridays in their own classes and will also have the option to work as substitutes.

Interested students need to apply for the special education credential program by May 23 in order to be eligible for one of the residencies. Each student will receive a stipend of $23,000 from the school district they join to help cover tuition while they are in the program.

Dr. Roberts said the university is planning to accept 10 to 15 students for each of the residencies.

“We’re looking for people who really have a heart for this, who are enthusiastic about working with children with disabilities and are really dedicated to that kind of work,” she said.

One of the main goals of the residencies is to help address a widespread shortage of credentialed special education teachers that began prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has only made the shortage worse.

“We wanted to create a residency that would really support the needs of teacher candidates as they’re trying to get their credential and also support the needs of the districts in having highly qualified educators who are supported and feel like they can remain in the special education field,” Dr. Roberts said.

After completing their residency, students will have the opportunity to be hired by the school district they chose, as Dr. Roberts said the entire program is tailored to the district the students choose for their residency.

“Since instruction can be tailored that way, the districts are looking to hire these residents after they finish,” she said.

Mike Haven, executive director of BCSD’s New Teacher Development Department, said he is very passionate about the new residency partnership.

“The opportunity to work with CSUB students in a practical way which allows our future teachers to gain hands-on experience in a classroom setting is invaluable,” he said. “In addition, these residents will learn the BCSD lexicon and be prepared to successfully prepare our students to be collaborative, creative and critical thinkers!”

GUSD Support Services Director Melissa Ortiz also expressed her excitement about the partnership.

“I am delighted that Greenfield Union School District has the opportunity to partner with California State University, Bakersfield for a special education residency program,” she said. “It's exciting to align the courses with the teaching experience and professional learning. Greenfield's goal is for residents to receive quality supervision, coaching and training that prepares them to be special education teachers for the Greenfield Union School District.”

Dr. Yeunjoo Lee, a special education professor at CSUB, said the new residency programs puts the university in a position to be a leader in teacher education not only in the Valley but across the state.

“There are very few residency programs like this focusing on special education,” she said. “This is a really great model that will help CSUB be recognized for producing highly qualified special education teachers in this area.”

Dr. Roberts said if the programs are successful, the plan is to offer them every academic year. She hopes students who participate in the programs will go on to be mentors themselves for future residents.

“We want to create this cycle where our residents are learning, growing and giving back so that we always have mentors who are qualified to serve our residents,” she said.