Vision Statement:

All Future Teachers in Action (FTA) students will attain the highest level of academic knowledge, learning applications, performance skills, and professional integrity necessary to ensure fulfilling personal lives and exemplary careers in education.

Mission Statement:

The mission of FTA is to maintain and expand a model teacher education program that provides the necessary coursework, fieldwork, role models and pedagogy to:

• Successfully prepare students interested in teaching as a career by providing comprehensive counseling, CBEST Preparation workshops, mentoring and early classroom experience.
• Successfully prepare candidates for transfer so that they earn the credential that will enable them to teach in diverse preschool, elementary, middle and high school classrooms and positively influence the children and families in their community.
• Offer general education students a streamlined transfer to local campuses of the California State University, University of California and private four-year institutions so that they may earn concurrently a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching credential.

Overview:

This is an exciting time to enter the field of education. California will need 300,000 new teachers within the next decade. The Riverside Community College “Future Teachers in Action Program” was created in response to this staggering need. Through partnerships with local universities, FTAP offers courses and field work for those planning to teach in preschool, elementary, middle or high schools. The FTAP staff will assist students in completing the transfer process to UCR, CSUSB, La Sierra, Cal Baptist and students who wish to transfer to other universities as well. Interested students should meet with a counselor or visit the FTAP Office to obtain information and brochures describing the different programs offered at various universities.

Specially Designed FTAP Courses

FTAP offers specially designed courses which integrate theory and practice so that future teachers can apply what have learned once they begin working in the classroom. Many FTAP courses will be offered in the afternoon and evenings to accommodate student work schedules.

Dedicated Instructors

FTAP faculty brings to the classroom both their subject matter expertise and their experience as classroom teachers at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. They are supportive and dedicated professionals who are deeply committed to successfully preparing future teachers for their classroom experiences.Knowledgeable and caring counselors will help students develop an educational plan and will guide them in choosing the appropriate courses to meet their educational goals and to transfer to the university of their choice.

Access to Campus Community Resources

FTAP counselors, coordinators and staff will keep students informed of the services on campus and in the community that can help them on their educational journey. Services benefiting FTAP students include:

• Transfer Center
• Career Center
• Financial Aid Office
• Student Services
• Student Activities
• CBEST Workshops

These offices will keep students informed of the many incentives and financial support opportunities available to them as prospective teachers. Students will be informed of various professional development activities for working and prospective teachers.