Governor Names Cal State San Marcos Education Dean to State Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Steve Lilly, dean of the College of Education at California State University San Marcos, has been appointed to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing by Governor Gray Davis. The commission establishes professional standards, assessments and examinations for entry and advancement in the education profession.

Lilly, 57, of San Marcos, has more than 30 years experience in education, including instruction, special education, and higher education administration. He has served as dean of the College of Education at Cal State San Marcos since 1990. Previously, he served as dean of the College of Education at Washington State University from 1984 to 1990. He also has spent a significant portion of his career focusing on special education. Lilly serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Children's Initiative and is a member of the Association of California School Administrators. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Bellarmine College and master of arts and doctor of education degrees from Peabody College.

There was widespread support of Lilly's appointment. State Senator Dede Alpert, a member of the Senate Education Committee, applauded the innovative Teacher in Residence program that Lilly initiated. The program brings outstanding teachers from K-12 school districts to the faculty to share their expertise and experience with teachers in training. "Dr. Lilly is relentless in his pursuit of quality education instruction," she said in a letter of support to Governor Davis.
Superintendent Alan Bersin of the San Diego Unified School District said, "there are few people in higher education more capable and equipped than Steve Lilly to contribute substantively and constructively" to the process of change in the education system. Bersin praised Lilly for proposing a Teacher Preparation Performance Index to gauge progress by colleges of education in meeting the state's need for more teachers.

Lilly will represent higher education on the Commission. He was nominated by California State University Chancellor Charles Reed upon recommendation by the CSU Council of Education Deans. The appointment must be confirmed by the California Senate, but becomes effective immediately. It runs through November 20, 2005.

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