School of Education
School of Education

Credential Services
530-898-6455
credentials@csuchico.edu

School of Education Main Office
Tehama Hall, Room 101
530-898-6421
educ@csuchico.edu

Regular Hours
Monday–Friday
8 am - 5 pm

Mailing Address
School of Education
400 W. First St.
Chico, CA 95929–0222

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Partners & Collaboration

What We’re Here to Do

  • Recruit and support 60 aspiring teachers (Teacher Residents), especially from underserved communities, to work in high-need rural schools.
  • Help Teacher Residents build the skills they need to support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth using inclusive teaching methods, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and healing-centered approaches.
  • Strengthen Mentor Teachers’ ability to guide and support Teacher Residents in using these strategies effectively in high-need schools.
  • Offer continued support to Teacher Residents during their first three years to help them succeed and thrive in their teaching careers.

Chico State Organizations

The following departments & colleges on-campus are partners in the BEST Program:

Rural Public School Districts

The following Rural Public School Districts are partners in the BEST Program:

Additional Partners

Mentor Teachers

BEST Mentor Teachers are experienced and supportive educators who team up with university partners to help Teacher Residents grow into confident and equitable teachers. Through mentorship, co-planning, co-teaching, and coaching, they provide hands-on guidance every step of the way. Each Mentor Teacher is thoughtfully chosen by district leaders to be part of the program, ensuring the best support for Residents.

students in a classroom

University Supervisors

BEST University Supervisors are experienced professionals with deep knowledge of elementary education. Representing Chico State in partner schools, they offer personalized guidance and support to Teacher Residents, ensuring consistent, fair, and encouraging mentorship. Each University Supervisor is carefully chosen through a thorough application and interview process, backed by strong references, to provide the best possible support in the program.