School on May 13, 2006 for our project called Mock High School. I learned about creating thematic units cross curriculum like I am studying in my classes. Chemistry is
another extension of the unit. Mr. Jung taught the different types of gases used during the Holocaust on the Jews by the Nazis.
The majority of my classes tries to incorporate other academic subjects and to align the material with standards. I get a more comprehensive understanding of the subject
matter when my other classes stresses the material.
a. Courses
The teachers of MTCA understand that the students of Bell High School, a multi-track year-round school located in a densely and diversely populated community, have a
variety of special needs. The major emphasis of the Multilingual Teacher Career Academy MTCA is to provide students with an opportunity to explore teaching and the
field of education as a career option. Other career options may include, but are not limited to, pediatrician, social worker, care-taker, mentor, counselor, psychologist,
school nurse, probation officer. The academic aptitude of a typical MTCA class ranges from special education students to the gifted and talented. These students are able to
work well, not only within the classroom at Bell High, but during their tutoring assignment at the neighboring elementary schools. Although the Bell community is
predominately Spanish speaking, the MTCA welcomes a variety of students from socio- economic and cultural backgrounds. A requirement of the MTCA program is that every
student maintains passing grades in order to fully participate in the program. School counselors work closely with the MTCA teachers to see that any students who require
intervention receive extra help. Tutoring is available to students with special needs, and grades and behavior are closely monitored. The privilege of tutoring at an elementary
school is an incentive to motivate faltering students. Above all, the MTCA teachers demonstrate in a variety of ways how the field of education is an honorable profession
and deserves their enthusiasm and appreciation. The teachers in the MTCA have a variety of teaching experiences ranging from
Sheltered to Advanced Placement. Several of the MTCA teachers have advanced degrees and additional certifications, such as CLAD, BCLAD, as well as SDAIE and
GATE training. The MTCA teachers also offer their students a wide range of teaching experience. In fact many new teachers interface with the seasoned professionals, who
may have 20+ years of experience. In addition, it is not unusual for an MTCA teacher to accept a student teacher from a local college in order for the novice teacher to gain
experience from our program. MTCA teachers value this opportunity to help extend the value of education beyond Bell. All the MTCA teachers are highly motivated individuals
who believe in their profession, and have consistently continued their own schooling and attended workshops to update their methods. This is demonstrated by comments
from alumni, other colleagues, and the administration. MTCA teachers acknowledge and appreciate the fact that they serve as role models in a variety of ways for their
students.
Although the curriculum of the MTCA includes interdisciplinary units and standards- based lessons, the MTCA goes beyond the expected academic requirements. The
MTCA addresses the needs of a heterogeneous student population by applying many innovative and creative teaching strategies. Several of the teachers have implemented
lessons using Howard Gardner’s theory of learning styles Multiple Intelligences. MTCA students have listened to a wide range of guest speakers from an assistant
principal to school security personnel, who offer a wide variety of knowledge and professional experience. Field trips to universities have prepared students for higher
education. This provides students a rare opportunity to become exposed to a college campus and to become acquainted with the student body.
MTCA has hosted one author, Michelle Serros, a local poet who wrote the book Chicana Falsa. Reading to children at the elementary schools and in the Bell
community is a priority within the MTCA and is implemented through The Grace Reading Program. This is a service requirement in which Bell High School students in
MTCA must read selected children’s books to a child at home on a daily basis. The MTCA has collected a number of films connected to teachers or teaching such as Mr.
Holland’s Opus, Finding Forrester, Dead Poet’s Society, Lean on Me, etc. Students view these films for the purpose of discussing pedagogy in the classroom and how they
are applicable to their tutoring. The students help host and organize parent teacher conference nights. MTCA classes often discuss current issues in education as seen by
the media, including topical articles in the LA Times newspaper, which is delivered to the classrooms, and in local programming. MTCA students prepare for their tutoring
experience by completing speeches, writing self-assessments, and reflective journals. Lastly, most teachers offer some form of a unit on special education. One such
example is an interdisciplinary unit on disabilities. Students observe and help tutor on campus in Special Ed classes, as well as those at local elementary schools. They take
part in specialized lessons and activities concerning students with special needs.
b. Scheduling
