COLLEGE WILL OFFER TEACHER TRAINING.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

VALENCIA - College of the Canyons is planning to offer a credential program to train prospective junior high and high school teachers this fall at the University Center, officials said Thursday.

The program, to be conducted by California State University, Northridge, could last up to two years and lead to a single-subject credential in one of the following areas: art, business, English, foreign language, health science, home economics, math, music, physical education, science and social sciences.

``Many of our credential graduates teach in the area up there,'' said Bonnie Ericson, chair of the secondary education program at Cal State Northridge. ``We've had some discussion with some (school) districts in the past and we think this is a good time.''

It would complement an existing course operated by California State University, Bakersfield, which trains potential elementary school teachers.

``It's kind of a natural evolution,'' college spokesman John McElwain said. ``(Cal State) Bakersfield came up with their credential program and that was wildly successful.''

While recent news of layoffs and education budget cuts as the state juggles a fiscal crisis could dwindle teaching positions, that likely won't affect the Santa Clarita Valley, Ericson said.

``It's not clear that the teacher shortage is over in an area as fast-growing as this,'' she said.

But before classes begin, the program needs at least 25 students. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and demonstrate they have met state curriculum standards in their chosen field - either through undergraduate courses or an assessment test, said Alison Hanksgebre, who directs the college's teaching resource center.

``They're looking for people that are 80 percent subject ready,'' she said.

The college will host an information session on the program April 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Interim University Center. For more information, call [phone].