CVHEC program to help teachers earn master's degree and increase dual enrollment courses
La Pine High students are expected to return to in-person school on June 4 — the same day seniors graduate. School ends for the rest of the grades on June 17. (SBG/Stock)
Bakersifield, Calif. (KBAK/FOX58) — A new program is looking to help teachers earn their master's degree and become certified to teach dual enrollment courses to help smooth the path for high school students at Kern County schools, as they transition from high school to postsecondary education, and ultimately the workforce.
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) has partnered with Fresno Pacific University, National University, and the Kern Regional K-16 Education Collaborative to have English and math teachers learn in cohorts together, through the process of mutual support, in earning their master's degree.
Fresno Pacific University Math Program
The math program will be available at Fresno Pacific University, with two cohorts ranging from 20 to 35 teachers, with classes beginning in the spring and fall of 2023.
The program will run five semesters with two three-unit courses per semester and meetings on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 9 p.m., with two hours of asynchronous reading and assignments per class.
The majority of tuition costs are covered by the generous funding from Kern’s Regional K16 Education Collaborative, CVHEC and the AIMS Education Foundation," said Manjula Joseph, mathmatics education program director at Fresno Pacific University.
Interested teachers can apply for scholarships to help pay most of the tuition through the AIMS Education Foundation.
Informational meetings will be held Thursday, November 8, 15, and 29 at 4:30 p.m., register here.
While enrolled in the program, teachers will partner with a math or English mentor from a local community college.
National University English Program
For teachers interested in the English program, National University will have its 12-month program (or less), with classes beginning in January, March, and June 2023 in cohorts of 16.
The program consists of 10 fully online courses (45 units) with asynchronous instruction.
Candidates interested can also receive $14,000 from Kern's Regional K16 Education Collaborative and CVHEC.
Not to mention, a 15% employee tuition reduction through the Small School Districts Association (SSDA) partnership with National University.
Informational meetings will be held Thursday, November 10, and Thursday, December 1st at 5 p.m., register here
Upon graduation from the program, the hope is to have those teachers come back and teach the next generation of students dual enrollment courses throughout Kern County schools.
Schools in the Kern K-16 Collaborative service area deserve to have the capacity to partner with their local community colleges so their students can use dual enrollment classes as one strategy for completion of their degrees in a timely manner,” Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Executive Director Dr. Benjamín Durán said, in a press release. “This Master’s Upskilling Program is a major step in equipping our hard-working secondary teachers with this great academic opportunity that ultimately benefits their students.
CVHEC Coordinator Tom Burke and Executive Director of the Kern Regional K16 Education Collaborative Krista Herrera joined Eyewitness News Mornings to outline how the new program works and how it's going to increase the number of students enrolled in dual enrollment courses at Kern County schools.
