Looking to become a teacher? Here’s how SDSU makes it affordable

In the interest of addressing the PK-12 teacher shortage, the San Diego State University College of Education has been working with district partners to find ways to compensate credential candidates for completing their student teaching. Known as strategic staffing, this initiative is still in its infancy as the College continues to build partnerships throughout San Diego County.

“We’re really hoping we can build this into part of our practice so it becomes something that is available widely,” said Sarah Garrity, senior associate dean. “By providing financial support, it allows people who otherwise would not have been able to student teach the opportunity to do so.”

Even as the strategic staffing infrastructure is being built, an abundance of financial support is available for future teachers. COE’s three credentialing units are home to multiple programs that offer funding for individuals seeking bilingual, special education and general education teaching credentials.

Here is a roundup of SDSU's funded opportunities.

Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education

PROJECT Teach Bilingual Pathways (TBP) Stipend

The PROJECT TBP grant offers pre-service and in-service teachers pursuing a single-subject or multiple-subject bilingual teaching credential or bilingual added authorization a one-time student stipend of up to $2,300.  A main goal of PROJECT TBP is to increase language and literacy achievement of English Learners by providing current and future K-12 teachers with additional professional development opportunities and financial support for their participation throughout the duration of their academic program at SDSU.

Classified Staff Grant Pathway

Offered in collaboration with the Butte County Office of Education, Imperial County Office of Education, Orange County Department of Education and San Diego County Office of Education, the Classified Employee Grant provides guidance and financial assistance to classified employees pursuing a bilingual teaching credential through DLE’s online program. 

Department of Special Education

Project PERSPECTIVES

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Project PERSPECTIVES prepares early childhood special educators to work with children and families in linguistically- and culturally-diverse communities. The program provides scholarships to cover full in-state tuition and fees plus a stipend to cover additional expenses.

Project SPLASH

Also funded by OSEP, Project SPLASH supports Educational Specialist Credential candidates who will work in the Mountain Empire, San Ysidro  and Cajon Valley school districts. Benefits include full tuition support for preliminary and clear/induction credential programs and a $10,000 cost of living stipend during the preliminary program.

School of Teacher Education

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. Several Noyce projects are currently offered through SDSU's Center for Research into Mathematics and Science Education (CRMSE).

The deadline to apply for most programs is Feb. 1. Visit teach.sdsu.edu to learn more.