About Us

Cal State Fullerton’s SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Center for Creativity and Critical Thinking fosters 21st century competence for today’s preschool through grade 12 students. We build partnerships with local schools, working with teachers to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students need in order to thrive in this exciting, digital, and global century.

Our partnerships focus on developing creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and decision-making across the curriculum. We work collaboratively with partners to infuse the arts, science, and technology as central components of the educational experience.

We envision rich educational experiences for the region’s P-12 students, experiences that teach students to collaborate and to think creatively and critically. Our guiding vision is one of genuine partnerships that help teachers embed technology, science, and the arts as vital components of the school day. We listen to teachers and schools and work together to move from what is to what can be: transformative learning for the 21st century. We develop partnerships based on teacher and school needs. We provide a unique professional development model that includes learning institutes and ongoing support designed especially for you.

The Center is looking forward to the future…with you!

What We Do

Professional Development Model

The Center’s model for professional development is based on creating genuine relationships, trust in teachers’ desire and ability to improve, and in ongoing site support.
Read More About Our Professional Development Model

Institutes

Inclusive Education, Technology, Visual Arts, Music and Movement, Drama and Puppetry
Read More About Our Institutes

Arts Focused Teacher Preparation

The Center helps sponsor a Multiple Subject Credential Program cohort that focuses on infusing arts experiences into the curriculum.
Read More About Our Arts Focused Teacher Preparation

CONTACT US

General Inquires:  
Cynthia Gautreau, Ed.D.

Director, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Center for Creativity and Critical Thinking
657-278-3639

Mailing address:  
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Center for Creativity and Critical Thinking 
College of Education, CSU, Fullerton
P.O. Box 6868
Fullerton, CA 92834
Attn: Cynthia Gautreau, Director

Founding Director

Dr. Teresa CrawfordDr. Teresa Crawford is the founding director of The SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Center for Creativity and Critical Thinking, serving in this role from 2008-2016. Under her leadership the center has created numerous university and community partnerships working to better prepare all students for success in the world of the 21st century. Her commitment to this work has provided a strong foundation for the growth and expansion of the center under new leadership.