K-12 Ethnic Studies Teaching Advanced Certificate

(SIMS Code: 118703)

The K-12 Teaching Ethnic Studies Advanced Certificate program at SDSU is an interdisciplinary program integrating coursework from across campus to prepare practicing educators pursuing advanced degrees who also aspire to teach ethnic studies at the K-12 level. The mission of the certificate is to ensure that as every K-12 student in California (and beyond) encounters ethnic studies in their schooling, the educators who will lead them will be grounded in the perspectives and content of ethnic studies, pedagogically well-prepared, and responsive to communities. Through coursework that attends to (a) the nature of ethnic studies as a discipline, (b) content knowledge within an educator’s particular community context and subject-area discipline, and (c) humanizing approaches to pedagogy, students completing the certificate can expect to be well prepared to teach ethnic studies courses at the K-12 level, and equipped with a unique skillset that will make them professionally competitive, and enhance their teaching effectiveness in all contexts.

At the graduate level, the certificate offers a compelling professional development opportunity for educators interested in the teaching of ethnic studies at the K-12 level. Graduate students should expect a more rigorous experience in certificate courses, as well as more flexibility in the program of study to meet their individual professional development needs. Moreover, they should also anticipate additional meetings and interactions with certificate faculty to evaluate and develop their program of study in relation to their particular work context, professional growth, and community needs.

The program requires 12 units of study, inclusive of an elective chosen to support their individual learning goals. This elective must be at the 600- or 700-level, and should be chosen in consultation with an adviser as part of a larger assessment of student goals and professional needs. Students should also consult with an adviser on admission requirements and application deadlines.

Credits earned towards the completion of the certificate may be applied towards degree progress in SDSU master’s programs (if applicable). Contact the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies for further details and advising, and consult with the graduate adviser for further guidance integrating this coursework into your program. Acceptance of certificate coursework will require approval from the graduate adviser.