The Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education at California Baptist University focuses on the relationships and connections created in the classroom, ensuring that future students feel valued and seen in their teachers’ classrooms.
CBU offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate programs include early childhood studies, liberal arts, and elementary education.
Throughout both undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Education aims to instill in its students the importance of recognizing the value of every individual in their classrooms.
Dr. Stacy Meyer, associate dean of administration in the School of Education and assistant professor of education, discussed the responsibilities educators have.
“We’re trying to get our students to understand that all the students in their classrooms were created in the image of God, and we should approach them with that attitude. They are all gifted in some way, and it’s the teacher’s responsibility to figure out what that is and build upon it. In order to do that, they have to make connections.”
Those connections between teachers and students can be life-changing. It’s about having someone in their life who believes in them and supports them. Empathy is crucial in understanding where a student is and creating a safe, supportive connection.
Dr. Keith Walters, associate dean of educational effectiveness within the School of Education, said, “I can understand the pain, listen to them and support them. Through our courses, we help our candidates become more self-reflective about what it means to invest in people at this human level. Then, we look at learning theories, how to structure instruction, validate the students’ lived experiences, and help them believe in their potential for success.”
Professors at CBU model these connections for their students throughout their studies.
Sophomore elementary education major Allison Nordquist said, “In every class, the professors try to connect with all the students by always being available after class.” The School of Education professors are focused on building relationships alongside providing education.
A common misconception is that the School of Education is only for those who want to become teachers. However, not every role in education is about teaching. To help students explore other opportunities, CBU offers EDU 101 and 102.
“It gives them a glimpse into education,” Meyers said. “When I was getting my liberal studies degree, I thought all you could be was a teacher. You don’t realize the scope of education or the journey you could be on. In 101 and 102, we bring in speakers from different areas—early childhood, special education teachers, school psychologists and counselors—because people don’t realize it all falls under education.”
The various occupations within education are diverse. Meyers herself has worked in public, private, co-op and international settings throughout her career.
Not everyone starts as a teacher. Walters, for example, studied business during his undergraduate years.
“When I was in college, my goal was to get a business degree and make a lot of money,” Walters said. “I went into sales as a financial consultant in the insurance and stock industry and worked there for eight years. By the age of 28, I hated going to work. I believed there was more to life than making money. I remember God saying to me, ‘I want you to become a teacher.’”
Walters’ experience shows that it’s okay to not fully know your direction. He didn’t start in teaching but eventually knew it was what he was meant to do because of God’s calling.
It’s okay not to know exactly what you want to study, but for those with a heart for connection, the School of Education might be a good fit.
The primary goal of the School of Education is to create connections with students.
“I think that’s what sets us apart from other schools,” Meyer said. “We’re building connections. Here, we know all of our students. We know them well, and we know their stories. It’s so exciting.”
