What is the Teacher TRAC Program?
Teacher TRAC is a unique program in partnership with California State University, Sacramento, which allows students to complete a BA degree and an elementary teaching credential in just 4 1/2 years instead of the usual 5 1/2 years.
How does it work?
Teacher TRAC at Sierra College offers students the first three semesters of the course work they need for what is called the "Blended" Program in Liberal Studies/Multiple Subject Credential at CSUS. This is a new approach to teacher preparation in California. It includes two early field experience courses, which place students in schools to work with credentialed teachers. This lets them determine early on if teaching is really for them. It also combines the courses that prepare students in the subjects they are going to teach in elementary school (the liberal studies major) with the courses that help them learn how to teach (the credential courses).
What is required?
Since this program is designed to allow students to complete both a BA and a teaching credential in 4 1/2 years, it is necessarily intensive. It requires a full-time commitment to school during the school year and during summer session. Students must be eligible for English 1A and Math 17 at the time of admission into the program. Before taking one of the field experience courses, students must obtain fingerprint clearance and have a negative TB test. Once in the program, students must complete the required teacher education course work and maintain a 2.67 GPA.
Is it possible to be in the program as a part-time student?
It is possible to complete the course work required for the first three semesters of the program as a part-time student. This, of course, means that it will take longer than the planned three semesters to complete these courses and longer than the 4 1/2 years to complete a BA and teaching credential. The next six semesters of the program, which are completed at CSUS, can not be done on a part-time basis. Students must be able to attend school full time for the last three years of this program.
What are the benefits of Teacher TRAC?
Once admitted into the program, Teacher TRAC students will receive assistance from the Liberal Studies Coordinator and a special counselor dedicated to assisting students in this program and from a Liberal Studies Advisor at CSUS. This makes the transfer into the Blended Program at CSUS an easy process. Also, the two required early field experience courses at Sierra College allow students to determine if teaching is the right career for them early in their college career. Students in the program have a planned sequence of courses and can easily determine what to take each semester. Teacher TRAC students will receive information about activities and events that are of special interest to future teachers.
What are the drawbacks?
Students who cannot attend school full time for their last six semesters or handle the heavy work load required in Teacher TRAC should consider one of the other pathways to teaching, such as the traditional liberal studies degree program, which gives students a BA in liberal studies. After this, students can enter a teacher credential program. Students should see a counselor or visit www.calteach.com to explore other pathways to teaching.
Teacher TRAC courses
How Do I Apply for Teacher TRAC?
The Teacher TRAC application form is available here:
It is also available by mail from:
Carol Eisenhower, Liberal Studies Coordinator
Sierra College, 5000 Rocklin Rd., Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 789-2966
e-mail