Program Summary

ETHNIC STUDIES FOR EDUCATORS - Certificate of Specialization

The Ethnic Studies for Educators Certificate of Specialization is designed to further equip emerging and established educators earning their Certificate of Achievement with specialized knowledge and pedagogical strategies from the field of Ethnic Studies or Child Development and Family Studies. This will prepare individuals to teach in Ethnic Studies or integrate the values and principles of this field into their professional practice. Students will engage with transformative approaches to teaching and learning that can be utilized and adapted for all age groups, with a particular focus on Ethnic Studies at all levels (PK-12) or early childhood programs, interventions, and training. This certificate prepares students for continued study to achieve an Associate’s Degree or transfer to a university. It also provides transferrable skills that can be used in a range of educational and professional settings, such as paraprofessionals, school staff, counselors, and more.

Career Opportunities
The primary career opportunities associated with this Certificate include teaching and education. Specifically, this program establishes students as ideal candidates for transfer if they are seeking a teaching credential and a career as a PK-12 educator. This includes preparation for any subject area credential, and the certificate is particularly well-suited to the in-development credential for Ethnic Studies. Given the creation of a high school graduation requirement for Ethnic Studies, this is a rapidly growing area that is vital to the educational, intellectual, and economic success of our region. In addition to the important work of PK-12 teaching, individuals with expertise in Ethnic Studies pedagogies are also equipped for direct employment and/or future study to pursue career-building jobs such as curriculum developer, instructional aide, program coordinator, peer health educator, policy advocate, diversity and inclusion consultant, community organizer, educational coach/tutor, school administration, counseling, and more. This certificate builds additional opportunities and entry points for interested students who can fill the established need for educational professionals in San Luis Obispo County. * * Source: https://www.newtimesslo.com/news/teach-the-future-the-ticket-2-teach-program-aims-to-support-aspiring-preschool-teachers-with-mentors-and-resources-and-ease-local-teacher-sh-14192639
Certificate of Specialization Courses
Units: 9.0
Specialization
9.0
Ethnic Studies Specialization
9.0
 
3.0
ETHN 213
ETHNIC LITERATURE OF THE UNITED STATES
3.0
OR
ENGL 213
ETHNIC LITERATURE OF THE UNITED STATES
3.0
OR
ETHN 235
RACE, ETHNICITY, AND POP CULTURE
3.0
AND
 
3.0
ETHN 211
CRITICAL WHITENESS STUDIES
3.0
OR
ETHN 240
INTRODUCTION TO NATIVE AMERICAN AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES
3.0
OR
ETHN 250
INTRODUCTION TO BLACK STUDIES
3.0
OR
ETHN 260
INTRODUCTION TO CHICANX AND LATINX STUDIES
3.0
OR
ETHN 262
CHICANX AND LATINX COMMUNITY PRACTICE
3.0
OR
ETHN 270
INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES
3.0
AND
 
3.0
ETHN 219
INTRODUCTION TO QUEER STUDIES
3.0
OR
ETHN 234
WOMEN OF COLOR
3.0
OR
Anti-Bias Education Specialization
9.0
 
3.0
ASHS 212
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: LIFE SPAN
3.0
OR
CDFS 202
CHILD, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY
3.0
AND
 
3.0
CDFS 203
CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
3.0
OR
CDFS 205
INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
3.0
AND
 
3.0
CDFS 215
CHILDREN IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY
3.0
Total: 9.0
Program Outcomes
Demonstrate specialized knowledge used in Ethnic Studies teaching practice.
Prepare a comprehensive course assignment that demonstrates mastery over a specialized area or topic in one of the Ethnic Studies core disciplines.
Apply interdisciplinary methods and principles to critically engaging with teaching, pedagogy, and classroom dynamics.
Demonstrate teaching through in-class or independent exercises, including but not limited to community workshops, PK-12 teaching simulations, and peer learning activities.