This space is for Cal Athletics student-athletes, teams, and staff who want to contribute to and collaborate with our community!
Launched in Spring 2024, EDUC 144.2 "The Practicum in Education" is a critical service-learning course designed in partnership with Berkeley School of Education. Created with Cal Student-Athletes in mind, the course explores the role of sport as a bridge for community building and centers equity and community-centered collaboration with local Title I elementary and middle schools. Fieldwork focuses on two main community-defined and equity-centered priorities: a) supporting positive and inclusive play & sports exposure; b) literacy tutoring
Students collaborate and learn with East-Bay school partners, engaging in a process of critical service learning and centered engagement with the goal of mutual learning and positive impact. Through course content, fieldwork, and critical reflection,
students:
Learn: about yourselves & our community
Connect: build authentic relationships and collaborations within your school community
Contribute: collaborate and contribute as a positive presence
Reflect: critically reflect on root-cause issues, your experience, your positionality, and how you think about yourself as a community contributor and agent of change
Develop: your personal philosophy of change-oriented civic & community engagement
How many credits is this class?
Students can take the class for 1, 2, or 3 credits
1 credit = 21 total hours at school site
2 credits = 63 total hours at the school site
3 credits = 105 total hours at the school site
Is this class graded?
Students can choose to take the class P/NP or Graded
What is the difference between credits taken?
The primary difference is the number of hours required at your field site (school) (see above).
In addition, students who only take the class for 1 credit do not complete the final project (Personal Philosophy)
When does the class meet?
The class is asynchronous, meaning the coursework is all online
We will meet 3 mandatory times throughout the semester: 3 x 75 min in-person sessions (beginning, middle, end of semester)
Your fieldwork/site placement will
Do I need a background check?
YES. You must complete a background check through campus. You will be prompted through the steps once you enroll.
Additionally, your school site may have an additional background check requirement.
How do I figure out my site placement?
The Cameron Institute will work with you to identify a site placement that aligns with your interests and schedule. If you have an existing relationship with an organization that you would like to work with, this is a possibility, but it must be equity-focused and center on elementary and middle school students.
How will I get to my school site?
Uber vouchers are provided; you are also welcome to drive if you have a personal vehicle
What are the current field sites?
Sylvia Mendez Elementary: Berkeley
KIPP Bridge Middle School & Elementary School: West Oakland
Emerson Elementary School: North Oakland
*Can be applied to Ed major or minor
EDUC 144.2 in Action
Over three semesters, EDUC 144 has engaged 65 student-athletes across 13 sports. Student-athletes have collaborated with the following schools and community-based organizations focused on expanding educational and sports equity here in the East Bay.