In its December 2005 report to the state Legislature, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing identified Cal State Northridge as a national leader in contributing new lifeblood to the ranks of teachers. Through its programs, CSUN is working to ease the growing gap caused by attrition, an expanding student population, fewer college students entering teacher preparation programs and reduced class sizes.

Among California's 88 public and private institutions with programs preparing students for teaching careers, CSUN placed just behind National University in its 2003-04 teacher preparation enrollment.

Of the 67,595 students enrolled statewide for 2003-04, CSUN produced 4,354 who completed one or more courses in a program including supervised student teaching or internship teaching.

"I am pleased there are so many students who want to study with us," said Philip Rusche, dean of the Michael D. Eisner College of Education. "I think this reflects well on the confidence that aspiring teachers have in us. We're proud of the teachers who graduate from CSUN and of the administrators and counselors we graduate who enable teachers to be effective."

Rusche pointed out that CSUN offers students a variety of pathways to a teaching credential, including both post baccalaureate and baccalaureate opportunities. At the baccalaureate level, CSUN offers multiple and single subject specialties, and at the post baccalaureate level, there is the traditional fifth-year program, a one-year Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Preparation program, and a variety of internship programs.

The credentialing commission also examined the number of multiple subject, single subject and special education teaching and internship credentials issued at California state universities between July 2003 and July 2004.

Cal State Northridge prepared 1,901 such credential holders, second only to CSU Dominguez Hills among public universities in that achievement arena. It ranked fourth among all institutions, public and private included.