RP: To the Teachers: Chapman College

SDgirl22

As some of you know, DH is going to school to become an elementary school teacher, after about 6 years in the Air Force and being an aircraft mechanic. He just got a PE teaching job for 5th-8th graders (part time) at a Catholic school and is super excited, but still has a few years left of school/credential left.

He is taking his last class that he needs in order to transfer from community college to a 4-year (CSU San Marcos), but can't transfer until Fall, because they don't except Spring transfers. He's also on the GI Bill and received a scholarship from my work. Since he has to go to school full time in order to receive those benefits, he will be taking a "wasted" semester of classes next semester, just so he can stay in school, however, the units won't really count as transferable, becuase after this semester, his credits to transfer will be satisfied. The CSU system is ridiculous in it's requirements, and each Community College he goes to (there's 4 in SD, and he cahnges when his job changes) tells him different things about what is needed to transfer. He's just frustrated with the system.
He's really frustrated that he has about 3 - 3 1/2 years left of school before he can officially start in his career, and that puts him at 31. That's just his Bachelors, and though he knows the benefit to get his Masters, that's way down the line. We're waiting on kids until he's done with school, as I want him to focus on school. Also, we want to find somewhere to "settle" down-probably Portland or Seattle, but again, that's waiting until he's done with school (and I currently really like my job, so I want to stay here for a while).

He's thinking about going to Chapman (University) College to finish his degree, and they also have an integrated Credential Program. His mom was an educator for years, and in Administration, and suggested this to him. He works almost full time with 2 jobs, and it's hard for him to attend classes during the day, so a school that is designed to work around a working person soudns great to him. He could possibly start in January, rather than having to wait until next September, and have an 8 month jump on things. He can also go "year round" which he really would prefer, since he doesn't need summers off.

I know it's VERY expensive, and we have a little $ to put towards it each semster with his scholarship and GI Bill.

In the teaching world-have you heard good/bad about Chapman College.  I know Joann works in the HR side of education, and wondering if it's viewed equally as any other 4 year program. From being a Business major, I know Univ of Phoenix MBA is sometimes not weighed as equally as a "traditional" MBA program, so that's what I wonder about Chapman.

Any feedback or thoughts on this? thanks ladies!!

Sexilexi

The one thing I would have you check into is to make sure that Chapman College is accredited.  I teach at a few local community colleges and know that in order to be hired (at the community college level) you need a Bachelors and Masters from an accredited university.  To be honest I would go to community college first and then transfer to San Marcos or State.  I think the reason he was told to take different classes at the community college level is because every college labels their classes differently.  For example, Algebra at Grossmont is Math 90 and 60 at Southwestern.  Even though it is the same class.  HTH!

SDgirl22

The plan was to go to CC first, then transfer to CSUSM (not to State as it's too impacted, and too crowded from personal experience). he's basically ready to transfer now, but has to wait a whole year, and he's just so anxious to get started on his career. He's just switched around the local CC's because it depends on where he's working at the time, where we're living, and where certain classes were offered.
Chapman is accredited, and his mom was was in Administration for years, recommended it to him...so I don't know what to do!

Axobride

I work for a school district in personnel and deal with the non teaching side.  So, I went and talked to my counterpart on the teaching side and asked her your question.  She said that they are not really concerned with where someone's degree or credential come from as long it is from an accredited institution.  They look at the credential type (single/multiple and subject area) and how concise someone can be in a 20-25 minute interview with administrators.  She said to really look at what area the credential is in...it's difficult to place social science people (history), but there is usually need for people with single subject credentials in math, science, special ed. If you have any other questions, let me know. 

SDgirl22

Thanks ladies-ALL help is appreiciated! I'll let you know if I have any question for ya axo!