This page uses javascript to help render elements, if you have problems please enable javascript.
 
Skip to main content
 
 
 
 
You are now inside the main content area
 
 
 
left col

About the

College of Education

Reach. Teach. Impact.

right col
 
left col
right col
 
left col
right col
 
 
left col

graduation ceremony, with a view of all the graducation caps

About Us

On July 1, 2004, the College of Education was formally designated the 8th college of California State University, Fullerton.  The College of Education is home to more than 1200 credential and graduate students. It is a destination of choice for students seeking the highest quality teacher preparation and advanced degrees in education.  

The College of Education’s work focuses on closing the opportunity gap. The College’s impact is notable given the fact that we credential the largest number of teachers of any public institution in the state of California and have the largest Ed.D. program in the CSU system.  

We understand that the College cannot control all the complexities of TK-14 student success, but our faculty and staff ensure a level playing field through our focus on three main priorities for educator preparation: 

  • Technology
  • Just Equitable and Inclusive Education
  • Community Engagement
right col
 
left col
right col
 
left col
right col
 
 
left col

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the College of Education at Cal State Fullerton, where  Educators Change the World.

It has been a difficult few years: mentally, emotionally, and socially. Yet, we’re still here. Still standing. Still fighting the good fight for our students and community. . .  the reason why we’re here.

A lot of attention is being placed on systemic racism (unfair and unequal policies and practices that give one race an advantage over another), but institutionalized racism is not new, and certainly not absent in the education system. Educators are given the privilege to shape, mold, and educate our country’s unpolished gems. In the hands of a culturally competent teacher, our students will shine brightly. But left unchecked, a system that perpetuates institutional racism widens the opportunity gap and dims the light of future leaders who do not fit the mold of the dominant narrative. As educators, if we continue to allow this, we have failed.

I believe that education is the great equalizer. In these challenging times education comes in many forms. The social climate calls for an education of the masses around systemic and institutional policies and practices that perpetuate racial disparities. In formal education we see these disparities in the underrepresentation of educators of color in decision-making positions across institutions. For decades children of color have, and continue, to lag behind their white counterparts in academic achievement. Not because they lack the talent, capabilities or intellect, but because they lack access to resources, epistemic practices, and an infrastructure that levels the academic playing field.

The decisions you make as an educator should be focused around the question: How can I ensure that our systems are providing a Just, Equitable and Inclusive environment?

It’s not an answer you’ll find in any textbook. The answer should, in part, come from the heart. And if we, as teachers, administrators, faculty, and staff hold true to the promise to respect our students, to cherish our role, to use our superpowers for good--then I believe we will create a more Just, Equitable and Inclusive educational system.

The College of Education seeks to produce educators who are committed to looking beyond the exterior and transforming a student into the best version of themselves. It takes extra effort--that you go the extra mile. That’s who we are. That’s what we do. If your values and philosophy align with the College of Education at Cal State Fullerton, we’d love for you to apply to any one of our programs or join our team.

Dean Kirkman

It Takes a Titan, and the College of Education is committed to leading the way.

Sincerely,
Lisa Kirtman, PhD
Dean

Dean Kirtman's Instagram  Dean Kirtman's Twitter

right col
 
left col
right col
 
left col
right col
 
 
 
left col

Our Vision

We aspire to be transformational leaders who advance the readiness of all learners to actively participate in an ever-changing, diverse and digital world.

graduate shaking hands on stage receiving their diploma

Our Mission

The College of Education is committed to the preparation and professional development of innovative and transformative educators who advance just, equitable, and inclusive education. As a professional community of scholar-practitioners, we promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking as fundamental to student achievement and success in a diverse and interconnected world.

Our Core Values

  1. We value learning as a lifelong journey that transforms us.
  2. We value theory, research and the professional literature as guiding the learning process and informing professional practice.
  3. We value responsibility to self and to the group.
  4. We value diversity because it enriches the whole.
  5. We value multiple pathways to learning that includes the use of technology.
  6. We value critical inquiry and seeking necessary change.
  7. We value authentic and reflective assessment.
right col
 
left col
right col
 
left col

Conceptual Framework

The College of Education conceptual framework is our shared vision for the professional education unit at California State University Fullerton. The framework is theoretically grounded and rooted in our mission and core values, and: 

  • Guides the work we do, including curriculum, scholarship, and assessment
  • Guides the outcomes we expect of our candidates
  • Defines expected professional dispositions
  • Is a shared philosophy among candidates, faculty, and community partners

Learn More

Read our full conceptual framework document.

right col
 
left col
right col
 
left col
right col