Supporting the non-traditional student teacher: a community learning centre model

Abstract

Significant personnel shortages in all areas of special education are being experienced throughout the USA, and in California in particular. This substantial shortage of trained special education teachers hampers the efforts of school districts to staff schools with well-prepared teachers, and to develop programmes and approaches that best serve children and youth with disabilities. Currently, great numbers of special education teachers are employed without the proper credentials. As large numbers of teachers on emergency permits or waivers enter teacher preparation programmes, university faculty must design practical experiences that are supportive of the candidate's teaching situation, but also allow for development of specific instructional and professional competencies. This article describes an innovative approach to providing support to non-traditional teacher candidates as developed by faculty in the Division of Special Education at California State University Los Angeles. The unique aspects of the programme are described.