STEP elementary program opens doors to non-Stanford applicants

In the fall, Stanford's top-ranked elementary teacher training program will open its doors to outside applicants for the first time.

Established in 2005, the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) for elementary instructors initially was open only to university undergraduates who entered as co-terminal students after earning their bachelor's degrees. In addition to a master's degree in education, the one-year program gives students a preliminary California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Encouraged by the program's success, which accepts only 20 students a year, school leaders decided to open the program to non-Stanford applicants.

"STEP's goals are to support the development of exceptional beginning teachers and educational leaders who are committed to equitable educational opportunities for all children," said STEP Elementary Director Ira Lit. "Opening our admissions process will allow us to further strengthen and diversify the pool of educators with whom we work."

STEP offers financial aid, fellowships and loan programs to defray costs and encourage graduates to teach in schools in low-income communities. Under a new loan-forgiveness program, eligible students who teach in such schools for at least four years after graduating can receive up to $20,000. In addition, STEP offers tuition fellowships to more than 90 percent of its students, based on need and merit. The application deadline for the 2008-09 academic year was Jan. 8.

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