This hands-on course introduces students to the teaching profession and the PK–12 education landscape, both locally and nationally. Designed for those exploring careers in education, the course offers an authentic look into what it means to be a teacher today, with a focus on urban schools serving historically marginalized communities.
Students will engage with the Bay Area and national education systems, hearing directly from practicing teachers about their pathways into the profession, daily experiences, motivations, and the challenges they face. Topics include classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, and the critical importance of racial diversity in the educator workforce.
The course also explores key issues shaping the field of education, such as literacy, student mental health, school choice, and the national teacher shortage—offering students both a practical and systemic understanding of education in the U.S.