School of Education

The School of Education is devoted to the advancement of teaching and learning. Our image for teacher education begins with a vision for pre-kindergarten to grade 12 school programs in the 21st century. The transformation from an industrial economy to an information society in the U.S., combined with an increasing emphasis on global issues and technology, demands more highly skilled adults to function effectively in the workforce. Young people who complete their schooling are the most educationally, socially and economically advantaged. They become adults who are lifelong learners and have the basic skills necessary for leading a full and rewarding life in an interdependent society and an information and service driven economy. The power of educators to make the fundamental difference in students’ lives makes education the most important social service.

The Education Program builds from the foundation of the undergraduate Liberal Studies option in Teaching and Learning, Early Childhood Studies major and academic majors in biology, chemistry, English, mathematics and history/social science (subject matter programs) and extends to Masters of Arts in Education. Our Education Programs contribute to the teaching profession by preparing teachers and school administrators who believe that all students have the ability to achieve high standards, who adapt their teaching to reach all students, and who respect the diversity of all students. Our graduates are reflective about their teaching, their attitudes, and their ability to work in collaborative analytical teams. The Master of Arts in Education program focuses on Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction or Disability Studies. The Educational Leadership specialization leads to the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.

All credential programs have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students who are hired by local public schools prior to completing all of their preliminary credential requirements may be eligible for an internship program. Contact the credential advisor for an internship application.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students can teach all subjects in their area of specialty;
Students are able to teach children with English as first or second language;
Students understand and relate to the diversity of languages and cultures in and among children and families;
Students can meet the diverse needs of all students including those with special needs;
Students are reflective and deliberative practitioners;
Students link content and pedagogy;
Students actively engage children in their learning; and
Students integrate research, theory, and effective educational practice into their teaching.

Credential Services and Field Placement

Cynthia Coler, Ed.D.
Director of Field Placement and Credential Services
Madera Hall, Room 2901
(805) 437-8936
cynthia.coler@csuci.edu

Faculty

Robert E. Bleicher, Ph.D.
Professor of Science Education
Madera Hall, Room 2405
(805) 437- 8508
bob.bleicher@csuci.edu

Merilyn Buchanan, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
Madera Hall, Room 1361
(805) 437-8579
merilyn.buchanan@csuci.edu

Lillian Vega-Castaneda, Ed.D.
Professor of Education
Madera Hall, Room 2707
(805) 437-8872
lillian.castaneda@csuci.edu

Manuel Correia, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
Chair Credential and Graduate Programs
Madera Hall, Room 2623
(805) 437-3292
manuel.correia@csuci.edu

Michelle Dean, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Madera Hall, Room 2602
(805) 437-3735
michelle.dean@csuci.edu

Jeanne Grier, Ph.D.
Professor of Secondary Education
Madera Hall, Room 1341
(805) 437-8987
jeanne.grier@csuci.edu

Tiina Itkonen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education and Political Science
Madera Hall, Room 2361
(805) 437-3294
tiina.itkonen@csuci.edu

Gary W. Kinsey, Ed.D.
Professor of Educational Leadership
Madera Hall, Room 2721
(805) 437- 2002
gary.kinsey@csuci.edu

Jill Leafstedt, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Special Education
Madera Hall, Room 1364
(805) 437-2792
jill.leafstedt@csuci.edu

Carola Matera, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Madera Hall, Room 2725
(805) 437-3689
carola.matera@csuci.edu

Elizabeth Quintero, Ed.D.
Professor of Education, Chair Undergraduate Programs
Madera Hall, Room 1637
(805) 437-3306
elizabeth.quintero@csuci.edu

Kaia Tollefson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
Madera Hall, Room 1405
(805) 437-3125
kaia.tollefson@csuci.edu

Charles Weis, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Madera Hall 2711
Charles.weis@csuci.edu

Annie White, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Madera Hall 1616
Annie.white@csuci.edu

Contact Information

School of Education
(805) 437-3338
http://education.csuci.edu/

Credential Services and Field Placement
(805) 437-8953
http://education.csuci.edu/