R.I.S.E. PROGRAM
Return, Inspire and be a Sweetwater Educator
In 2000, San Diego State University partnered with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) to create the Compact for Success program with a goal to bring new educational opportunities to Sweetwater graduates. The partnership involves SUHSD teachers working side-by-side with SDSU faculty to design a school curriculum that helps students meet specific requirements for college admissions. Today, the nationally recognized, award-winning program has increased Sweetwater’s college-going population by 120 percent.
In an effort to build on this success and provide post-collegiate opportunities for Sweetwater students, SUHSD created the Return, Inspire, and become a Sweetwater Educator (RISE) Program, which encourages Compact Scholars to return to their high school district as teachers. Students who successfully complete all program requirements are guaranteed employment with the Sweetwater District in the critical teaching shortage area (math, science, or special education) in which their teaching credential was earned.
For more information:
- SDSU Credential Programs in Math, Science or Special Education
- R.I.S.E. Scholarships
- R.I.S.E. Hiring Guarantee (see informational flyer below)
Return, Inspire & become a Sweetwater Educator
Students who successfully complete all program requirements are guaranteed employment with the Sweetwater Union High School District in the critical teaching shortage area (math, science, or special education) in which the teaching credential was earned.*
R.I.S.E. Program Requirements:
- Student must be a Compact for Success Scholar Program participant;
- Student must have achieved a final GPA of 3.0 or better within their content area and within the credential program;
- Student must complete his/her undergraduate degree and credential program within six years of start;
- Student must be recommended for a preliminary or clear credential in math, science, or special education by San Diego State University and must have the math, science, or special education credential granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing;
- Student must not have a criminal background which would prevent employment;
- Student must successfully complete a student teaching practicum or internship in the SUHSD;
- Student must be able to successfully pass the pre-employment process (i.e. fingerprint screening, drug screen, clear of TB, positive references);
- Student must receive a positive recommendation from his/her academic advisor;
- Student must successfully pass a job interview with the Sweetwater Union High School District;
- Student must notify RISE Director or his/her designee no later than three weeks into his/her final semester in the credential program of his/her desire to obtain a position in the critical shortage teaching area in which the credential will be awarded;
- Student must begin a teaching assignment in the critical shortage area in which the teaching credential was earned within one year of graduation and must teach at the site assigned;
- Student is expected to remain in good employment standing and teach a minimum of three years in the content area in which the credential is earned.
*Program subject to termination or modification based upon District staffing needs. District will provide University three months advanced notice of any modification or termination. Should this occur, only those students in their final semester who have fulfilled all requirements will be guaranteed employment.
Sponsored by Compact Scholars Program, San Diego State University and Sweetwater Union High School Distric
Calling all Compact for Success Students
R.I.S.E
Return, Inspire & become a Sweetwater Educator
Guaranteed employment in critical teaching shortage areas (Math, Science, and Special Education) if certain criteria are met.
Inquire today:
Blanca Hernandez
Sr. Administrative Assistant to the Director of Human Resources
Phone: 619-585-600l
[email protected]
Ligaya Quitilen Sr. Administrative Assistant to the Director of Human Resources
Phone: 619-691-5504
[email protected]
Stephanie Balvaneda (’14) was the first hire from the program and teaches math at
Southwest High School, which is also where she attended high school, and where she
completed her student teaching requirement. Because Balvaneda received her high school
education in the district, she mirrors district demographics and has a background
similar to many of the students she will teach.
“If my kids know that I came from the same place they did, I think it will inspire
and push them and help them see that if you really put your mind to something, it
is possible to do whatever it is that you want to do."
"I am excited to tell them, ‘I’m here, I know where you guys are, but if you just try really hard there is opportunity and that door is open if you want to take it.”
