The Three Semester Block (3SB) program provides teacher candidates a unique opportunity to earn a teaching credential in a more flexible and personalized atmosphere. For example, if they work or take care of children, the 3SB program is designed to accommodate teacher candidates’ scheduling needs. They are still expected to complete a rigorous course of study. However, teacher candidates will complete it over the course of three semesters, which allows them more time to maximize and balance their academic learning and personal needs. As such, teacher candidates have more time to prepare for the EdTPA, which is a comprehensive teacher performance assessment. The 3SB program provides teacher candidates with a robust field/practicum experience. As a result, they will be prepared to meet the challenges, and find the joys of teaching diverse student populations.

Courses are held on campus, at SDSU. Coursework is held in the late afternoons (4:00 - 6:40) and early evenings (7:00 - 9:40). 

In the first semester, teacher candidates tutor culturally and linguistically diverse middle/high school students for five hours a week for twelve weeks. In the second semester, teacher candidates student teach in a middle/high school setting for one period per day, plus one period of prep/observing/conferring. In the third semester, teacher candidates student teach in a middle/high school setting for two periods per day, plus one period of prep/observing/conferring.

One of the unique features of the 3SB program is our flexibility in placing teacher candidates at school sites in various San Diego County locations. 3SB teacher candidates are most often placed in San Diego Unified and Grossmont Union school districts, but have also been placed in other school districts and charter schools (including Poway, San Dieguito, and Cajon Valley). The Cohort Leader works with the 3SB teacher candidates to determine placements.