Teacher Academy

Mission

The Cal Poly Pomona “Teacher Academy” prepares and encourages students on the pathway to becoming a teacher. Participants attend class sessions that prepare you for this exciting career with so many different options. Participating Cal Poly Pomona and high school students from participating school districts can also earn a digital badge.

The Cal Poly Pomona “Teacher Academy” is open to all high school and all Cal Poly Pomona students considering work in education. Participants attend class sessions in person and/or online that prepare you for this exciting career with so many different options.

Digital Badge

digital badge

The Teacher Academy program helps to prepare you for your career in education. By attending 3 class sessions dealing with education on zoom or in person, you can earn an official Cal Poly Pomona Digital Badge for the "Teacher Academy". This experience can give you an added edge in preparing you for this exciting career. Self-enroll on our Canvas(link) page to get started. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Knopf at pdknopf@cpp.edu

Individuals seeking to earn the Cal Poly Pomona Digital Badge for the "Teacher Academy" must complete the following requirements: 

  1. Attend at least three sessions either online and/or in person that cover topics dealing with the teaching and education profession. 
  2. Submit an essay on "Why you are choosing to enter the teaching/education profession" located in the 'assignments' tab on Canvas
  3. 10 hours of community service working with students at a school site and/or educational support site.  (Verification sheet for community service hours you can use to submit can be found in the modules here on canvas) 
  4. Participating high school students also must attend 1 Cal Poly Pomona tour.

***Please submit ALL requirements for the Teacher Academy digital badge in ONE word document here on this Canvas assignment. Include in the document the following: The names of the sessions you attended, your 1 to 2 page essay on why you are choosing to become a teacher/educator and your verification of community hours sheet (found in modules). 

Sponsor: Dr. Ivan Misner, Class of 1978

misner

Dr. Ivan Misner (Class of 1978) has generously provided this program with financial support. He is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization, which he established in 1985. With over 11,100 chapters across 76 countries, BNI generates billions in business annually for its members. A New York Times Bestselling author of 30 books, including The 3rd Paradigm, Dr. Misner is recognized as a leading expert on business networking and has been featured in major media outlets like Forbes, CNN, and the New York Times. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and has served as a university professor and trustee. Honored with multiple awards, including the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award, he is also an amateur magician, black belt in karate, and active philanthropist.

Learn more abour Dr. Misner: https://ivanmisner.com/

Get to know Coordinator, Paul Knopf

paul

Paul Daniel Knopf is the current Coordinator for the Cal Poly Pomona Teacher Academy. He is also a lecturer in the Ethnic Studies department here at Cal Poly Pomona. Paul Knopf has been a public school teacher since 1996 and started the first service- learning program for the Pomona School District and served as the coordinator from 2006 to 2019.  He served in both the United States Navy and Army reserves. Mr. Knopf also began a non-profit organization called “Impact Earth” that currently works on promoting positive stories to inspire change