Testing the Waters: Aspiring educators explore their options at ɫɫ
Aliya Valles of Long Beach knows she wants to be a teacher — she’s just not sure how she’ll get there.
So at the College of Education’s Day at The Beach showcase Saturday, she and her mom, Roya, attended info sessions and pored over paperwork to figure out what academic pathway to take.
The college offers many ways to become a teacher, ranging from accelerated programs to paid residencies to dual-credential options. The possibilities feel vastly different now compared to when she was studying human development at Cal State Long Beach, Roya Valles said.
Valles is leaning toward a traditional pathway: earning a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and then applying to a credential program. UTEACH, which helps students become teachers more quickly and offers built-in classroom experience, also interests her.
“It’s a really rewarding profession. You get to watch kids grow up and learn right in front of your eyes,” Valles said.
“She’s very good with kids,” Roya, a former preschool teacher, said. “And it’s a career path that’s not going away. AI isn’t going to replace teachers.”
At Day at The Beach, students, faculty, staff and administrators showcased College of Education programs, resources and student experiences. Many of Saturday’s guests have committed to ɫɫ, while others are still on the fence.
Dean Anna Ortiz emphasized what’s unique about Liberal Studies, the college’s lone undergraduate program. Students bypass general education requirements and begin teacher preparation courses right away.
The college is a leading producer of teachers in California’s state university system, she said, and offers wide-ranging support from dedicated advisors, engaged faculty and student-led organizations.
“We're always either one or two in the CSU in terms of producing teachers,” Ortiz said. “So I think we're really good at it, and our faculty and our staff know how to support students in their teaching journey.”
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At a breakout session for prospective first-year students, College of Ed undergraduates Angelina Sorrosa and Alondra Urraco shared the ups and downs of transitioning from high school to college and how helpful university resources can be.
They talked about the Beach XP first-year experience program, financial aid packages, counseling services and student organizations. They fielded questions about how to get into the right classes, pay for textbooks, and manage commuting.
Urraco credited the support she received from professors, staff and students for transforming her from a scared and timid incoming freshman to a confident, involved third-year student in the Integrated Teacher Education Program.
“The Alondra talking to you today is not the same person” who first started at ɫɫ, Urraco said.
Sorrosa, a third-year Liberal Studies student, encouraged prospective students to take the first year of college at their own pace and not compare themselves to others.
“You’ve already taken a big step,” she said of getting accepted to the university. “So take it easy on yourself. Enjoy your year.”
Juliana Nava of Los Angeles said she’s been accepted to seven schools, and ɫɫ is her top choice. She’s very interested in the Integrated Teacher Education Program and in becoming an elementary school teacher, saying “future children need strong influences.”
She walked away impressed by the resources available to College of Ed students, and thinking she might also want to be a bilingual teacher.
Austin Phoenix of Camarillo is deciding between careers in teaching and real estate. His mom and sister are teachers, and he thinks teaching high school science, history or PE might be a good fit for him.
He admits Long Beach’s location is another big draw for him. It’s close to the ocean and only 2 ½ hours from the snow.
“You want to go to the beach? Go to the beach. You want to go to the snow? Go to the snow,” Phoenix said. “You can do the beach the same day as the snow!”
