Educators are cognizant of the fact that theory allows us to organize information and knowledge in order to assist our practice and the implementation of distributing that knowledge to our students. We look at learning and knowledge through numerous lenses: behavioral, psychological, scientific, and philosophical. Through these lenses educators call in to question the current state of education and the effectiveness in which students are being taught. We examine the goals of our educational system in an effort to bring us closer to a system that can reach all students and help them reach their full potential. University of California San Diego Extension’s ( UCSD Extension) online Clear Credential Program has brought these sentiments and goals together and in doing so has identified key components that foster and facilitate a system of positive change.
Teachers have answered the call to educate students. In order to accomplish this feat, we must also answer the call to educate ourselves. We as students of UCSD Extension are introduced to a system that places learning and teaching diversity as the paramount goal in education. If we examine just a few of the factors that have been identified in the courses outlined in the clear credential program, such as, collaboration, culturally responsive pedagogy, technology, and integration of theory and practice, the program’s objective becomes clear. Its objective is to create culturally sensitive teachers who continue to search for a collective knowledge that will enable them to succeed in educating themselves and their students.
As we continue to learn and reflect upon the theories and pedagogy offered through UCSD Extension, we can take one step closer to fulfilling the objective of an equitable education for all participants. I believe we can translate these theories and practices into lessons and activities that are locally appropriate for our students. We can build classrooms that are collaborative in nature, culturally responsive, include current pedagogical strategies, and incorporate differentiated instruction. By using the knowledge gained from the UCSD Extension program, we can begin creating our own institutions of positive change in our classrooms and schools.
In the end, teachers contend with the problems that exist in the classroom, schools, their communities, and society. Our hope as educators is to transform education for the better, which would then enact change on a larger scale. The goal is not the reproduction of society, but the transformation of society. To this end, I hope teachers, principals, administrators, and even legislators continue to discuss, debate, hypothesize, test, learn, teach, and implement positive change within our educational structure for the benefit of all. The Clear Credential Program at UCSD Extension does in fact provide teachers with an opportunity to become a part of the ongoing conversation and attempt in creating the aforementioned equitable education for all.