CSUN Chosen for 'Excellence in Education' Award by San Fernando Valley Economic Alliance

Recognizing Cal State Northridge's selection as one of the top teacher training programs in the nation, the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley has honored the university with its Steve Allen "Excellence in Education" Award.

"Teacher education at Cal State Northridge is strong because it is viewed as a university-wide commitment and all units in the university participate in the preparation of CSUN teacher candidates," said College of Education Dean Philip Rusche. "This is a very special award because it is a recognition of San Fernando Valley residents by leadership from the San Fernando Valley."

The university's selection for the award stemmed from Cal State Northridge recently having been named one of the top teacher training programs in the nation by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Northridge also prepares more candidates for state teaching credentials than any other public university in California.

The Carnegie Corporation program means Cal State Northridge is one of the first four universities in the country to have been asked to participate in a landmark $40 million initiative to develop model teacher training programs for the nation. The project is expected to be funded later this year by a $5 million, five-year grant to the university.
Rusche accepted the Economic Alliance award on Wednesday, May 22 at the organization's Board of Directors meeting, held at the Medtronic/MiniMed headquarters on the university's North Campus. Deans Helen Castillo of the College of Health and Human Development and Edward Carroll of the College of Science and Mathematics accompanied Rusche to represent the university.

Cal State Northridge was one of four Valley recipients honored this year with the second annual "Excellence in Education" award. The award recognizes schools, educators or students in the San Fernando Valley who achieved national recognition during the academic year. The award is named for Steve Allen, the longtime Valley resident and entertainer who focused on the importance of education during his later years.