Education
The mission of the Bakersfield College Education Department is to prepare students to become professionals and serve in California schools. The department offers two associate degree programs: Elementary Teacher Education (ADT) and Education Studies (AS). Both programs are designed to engage students to think critically and reflectively, communicate effectively, and demonstrate competencies and skills in order to engage productively in their professional communities. These programs provide a sturdy bridge connecting educational theory and research-based pedagogy. The department also offer numerous certificate options in Applied Leadership, Teaching and Learning, Social-Emotional and Cognitive Development, Online Teaching, Paraprofessional Levels I-IV, Accessibility, Study Skills, and Student Success.
In addition, the Education Department assists students in coursework across disciplines via Academic Development courses, peer tutoring, and the Student Success Lab. The Department also houses TECM B40, which is a math course required for multiple local degrees predominately in CTE areas.
We are committed to:
- Promoting diversity and inclusion within all college practices;
- Providing community members opportunities to develop and enhance teaching skills and classroom instructional strategies;
- Equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college;
- Developing skills in gathering information to help students make informed decisions throughout their life;
- Educating and training students to become effective teachers;
- Providing opportunities for students to network and engage with like-minded peers
and professionals; and Motivating and supporting students to successfully transfer
to a university in the preparation of obtaining a teaching credential.
Contact
Phone: (661) 395-4009 | Location: Center for Student Success (CSS 142)
Department Chair: Kimberly Bligh kvan@bakersfieldcollege.edu | (661) 395-4539 | Office: CSS 120
Pathway: Education Pathway
Programs
Bridge to BC
Bridge to BC is an intensive week-long orientation program for all incoming Freshmen. During this interactive course, students will engage with faculty one-on-one and in group settings, tour the BC campus, and participate in interactive activities that orient them to the Freshmen experience. In this way, students learn about the academic and student services resources that Bakersfield College offers and experiences them firsthand.
Students will hear from faculty and support services staff how to best access and utilize campus resources during engaging sessions and demystify questions that ALL new students have BEFORE their first semester begins. On a more practical level, the day will focus on introducing skills necessary for college success, including in-person and online success strategies, effective communication, time-management, organization tools, FREE academic and personal support services, and other critical skills! This isn't the “same old information” students learned in high school. The topics covered at Bridge to BC are designed and proven to ensure students are successful during their FIRST semester in college and beyond.
If you are interested in becoming a Bridge to BD Peer Mentor, visit the Student Employment page for more information.
Student Success Lab
The Student Success Lab supports and contributes to the mission of Bakersfield College by offering a curriculum of developmental courses designed to remediate and lead students to college level courses. By being sensitive and responsive to the individual differences and diverse needs of transitional students seeking to achieve college-level skills in a variety of academic disciplines, the Student Success Lab promotes, encourages, and stimulates the personal, social, and intellectual growth of its student base through its commitment to the following goals and values:
Tutoring Center
The BC Tutoring Center is a proven student success service that provides FREE tutoring both in-person and online to all currently enrolled Bakersfield College Students. Our one-on-one peer tutors, who are trained in a CRLA-certified course, can assist you with many Bakersfield College courses. Services we provide include, assistance with course content, assignments, required papers (at any stage of the writing process), and/or academic skills and are available through drop-in and scheduled appointments for most BC courses.
The Tutoring Center peer tutors, staff, and faculty look forward to meeting you and making your in-person and online appointment(s) an easy and rewarding experience. More information is available through the Tutoring Center.
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded outreach program designed to support students who pursuing teaching as a career AND planning to transfer with a degree. Support includes:
- motivating and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- promoting educational success, retention, and persistence.
- providing opportunities for low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities from diverse backgrounds.
