Partners In Education

Cal Poly Pomona is committed to being an outstanding partner to the surrounding community, a mission Partners in Education (PIE) takes to heart.

As California faces a continuing teacher shortage, our dedication to excellence in the preparation of future teachers is more critical than ever. We know teachers have an immeasurable impact on the community, shaping the lives of hundreds of students throughout their careers.

The Sponsor a Future Teacher program is the hallmark of PIE’s impact in the region, providing financial assistance with living expenses to teacher candidates during their clinical practice. Few activities embody Cal Poly Pomona’s learn-by-doing philosophy better than clinical practice—when teacher candidates have the opportunity to take what they have learned and put it into action in the classroom. These student teaching assignments are required to earn a credential, yet they are unpaid. Often, a PIE Fellowship enables students to complete their credential program rather than putting their education on hold or suspending it indefinitely. It can mean the difference between realizing the dream of becoming a teacher or having to set that dream aside.

This year, PIE proudly celebrates 20 years of supporting future educators. Throughout the past two decades, Partners in Education has awarded fellowships to more than 330 teacher candidates, helping them overcome financial barriers and focus on becoming exceptional educators. As we commemorate this milestone with our 20th Anniversary Celebration, we also celebrate the lasting impact these future teachers have had—and will continue to have—on generations of students.

PIE Fellows serve in all types of educational settings, including elementary schools, secondary schools, special education programs, and nontraditional learning environments. While the financial support provided through the Fellowship is significant, its impact extends far beyond dollars and cents. Each fellowship represents an investment in a future educator whose influence will reach hundreds, if not thousands, of students over the course of a career.

With more than 330 Fellows supported over the past 20 years, PIE has made a tremendous impact not only in the lives of future teachers, but also in the lives of the countless students they will teach, inspire, and guide. While we may never fully understand the ripple effect of these fellowship awards, we know they change lives. For many recipients, the fellowship helps make the dream of becoming a teacher a reality. For the students they will one day serve, it means learning from passionate, dedicated educators who might otherwise never have entered the profession.

None of this would be possible without the support of our partners, donors, and community members. We are deeply grateful for your investment in the future of education. Together, we celebrate 20 years of changing lives through teaching and look forward to continuing to advance education in our community for many years to come.

—Sue Johnson
PIE Board Chair