Fresno County Project IMPACT Teacher Credentialing Program

Credentialed teachers traditionally came from college and university-based programs that put students through a rigorous training program that included subject proficiency, education and pedagogy classes, and supervised student teaching. In an effort to assist school districts in finding qualified candidates, alternative routes to credentials have been developed.

Project IMPACT is designed for teachers wishing to complete their California Preliminary Credential while teaching full time. Project IMPACT is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Fresno County is linked with the Tulare County Office of Education. Project IMPACT was originated with the San Joaquin County Office of Education, and is sponsored by the Tulare County Office of Education and a consortium of local school districts. Donna Glassman-Sommer is the Program Director.

Project IMPACT is a two-year program for Multiple Subject and Single Subject credentials and includes a third year for Special Education credentials, in which interns gain expertise in teaching through coaching and support and by completing a schedule of nine classes per year. IMPACT teachers are employed as interns in the following manner: in multiple subject, self-contained classrooms, in single subject departmentalized classrooms, and in Special Education classrooms during the day and attend credential classes two evenings per week.

For more information, contact Donna Glassman-Sommer by e-mail at donnags@tcoe.org or by phone at (559) 730-2549.