"Teaching in California is a challenging, but rewarding career. The increasing difficulty of content standards, the ever-changing demographics of our students, and the politics of educational policy creates ongoing opportunities for lifelong learning. CGU addresses these and other topics in education that have made me a better teacher.”

Raul Gonzalez (MA in Education)
Elementary Teacher

Raul's thoughts on CGU's Teacher Education Program:

"There are many choices when it comes to teacher education programs. Not all however provide students the opportunity to practice the theory that is taught concurrently. Claremont Graduate University’s Teacher Education Program has given me a firm grasp on what it means to serve underprivileged communities similar to that of where I grew up. Its concentrated curriculum caters to educators like me; someone that is driven to make a positive change in the lives of others. Each day that I step into my first grade classroom I am able to walk in and teach with confidence and reassurance that the skills I have gained through CGU’s program are relevant to the art of teaching. In the process I have used the ethnographic practices I learned to then learn about my students. As a result, I know that the academic and life lessons that I teach my students are effective and productive. There is a saying that “teachers can’t save everyone,” but I strongly believe that CGU makes it so that at the end of the school year we cannot say that we did not try everything in our power to reach each student.

Teaching in California is a challenging, but rewarding career. The increasing difficulty of content standards, the ever-changing demographics of our students, and the politics of educational policy creates ongoing opportunities for lifelong learning. CGU addresses these and other topics in education that have made me a better teacher. We are taught to keep an open mind and welcome the differences that make us human. Our students are no exception. I envision myself teaching for many years to come as a result of this. Each school year is guaranteed to be different, but the effective practices I have learned to ensure student learning and achievement will continue to serve me well. I walk into my classroom every morning and my students are appreciative of what I do for them. In turn, I appreciate CGU’s commitment to their students and the lessons they teach to make people like me a better teacher."