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The Integrated Teacher Education Pathway (ITEP) program at Fresno Pacific University (FPU), the university’s newest education incentive program, hopes to help future teachers save time and money by cutting a full year out of their higher education journey.

The program, combining the reputation of a degree with a time and money saving opportunity, includes partnerships with local schools including Fresno Unified and Visalia Unified school districts, as well as the California Teaching Fellows Foundation and the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.

The program is available to all students who began their schooling at Fresno Pacific as well as those who transfer from community colleges.

“We are so excited to offer students the opportunity to save both time and money as they realize their dreams of becoming teachers,” said Whitney Wall Bortz, Ph.D., assistant professor of liberal studies and liberal studies program coordinator. “The Central Valley desperately needs quality trained teachers, and this pathway will prepare those teachers at a faster rate.”

Regular and transfer students participating in the program begin taking classes during their bachelor’s degree program and summer sessions, cutting a significant amount of time out of their educational journey.

Regular and transfer ITEP students each take credential classes during their bachelor’s degree program and summer terms. FPU students enrolled in the program can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in four years instead of the regular five years it takes to complete the program.

Transfer students are offered the same opportunity upon acceptance into FPU. Students can also receive blended evening/online programs through FPU’s North Fresno and Visalia campuses.

“The accelerated program allows for my soccer and academic scholarships to be used throughout the four years without the financial burden of having to spend an extra year on the teaching credential,” said sophomore and member of the women’s soccer team, Chloe Mortensen. “I am excited to see where the new program leads my future and thrilled to have such amazing program directors.”

The pathway aims to be a gamechanger in higher education and aims to build a more diverse group of teachers within Central Valley classrooms.

First time FPU freshmen (including dual-enrolled students) and transfer students can apply for the liberal studies program at the FPU website.

There is no application fee.

Students interested in the programs can learn more about liberal studies by emailing ugadmis@fresno.edu. Those interested in liberal arts can learn more by emailing gdc.admissions@fresno.edu.