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Stanford Teacher Education Program

The Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) strives to prepare expert teachers for leadership within and beyond the classroom. Our program integrates high-quality academics with a well-supported classroom placement, and our teacher candidates are dedicated to excellence and equity for all students.

The program

This 12-month, full-time, in-person course of study prepares future teacher leaders at the elementary and secondary levels and leads to a master of arts in education and a preliminary California teaching credential. The program combines academic coursework with a full school year of field experience in public school placements.

The program takes an approach to teaching and learning that is sensitive to the family, community, and political contexts of education; focused on the needs and development of diverse learners; and grounded in the study of subject matter that enables inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, and high academic achievement.

STEP Elementary STEP Secondary

STEP students working in small groups in a class

Teacher education at Stanford

Photo of Stanford campus

Why Stanford?

Learning at a research university means that teacher candidates see up close how universities and school sites connect in theory and practice. Our expert faculty make the learning experience rigorous. Our small cohort sizes, variety of placement opportunities in the Bay Area, and close mentoring by STEP supervisory staff and cooperating teachers make the learning experience personal. 

STEP students siting on the floor while faculty is reading them a kids book

Why you?

STEP candidates bring a strong dedication to social justice and equity, a desire to work compassionately and constructively with youth, and a commitment to teaching as a profession. They also seek strong academic preparation and leadership development in a collegial, supportive environment.

Learn more about STEP students

A teacher in a classroom with kids on the background

After you graduate

STEP graduates are known for their thorough preparation, commitment to equity and excellence, and high standards for all learners. Hiring schools seek out STEP graduates, who join a strong network of professional peers and become leaders in the field of education. 

Learn more about STEP alumni

Program faculty & staff

Professor (Teaching)
STEP Faculty Director
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor

Teachers in iSTEP classroom

iSTEP

Are you a teacher educator interested in bringing a team to learn more about STEP, interact with STEP faculty, and work together to envision enhancements to your own program in the company of colleagues? Stanford University hosts the week-long iSTEP Institute each spring.

Learn more about iSTEP Institute

Our community

Marisol Castillo, MA '04 Stanford Teacher Education Program
Empowering students and new teachers
Read this story about Marisol Castillo
Rachel Lotan, MA'81, PhD '85, professor emerita, director of the Program for Complex Instruction at Stanford
An advocate for equitable classrooms
Read this story about Rachel Lotan
Victor Suarez Castillejos is a STEP students who plans on being a science teacher.
Victor Suarez Castillejos, MA '24 Stanford Teacher Education Program
A score for education
Read this story about Victor Suarez Castillejos

What you need to know

Admission requirements

To learn more about requirements for admission to STEP, please visit the Application Requirements page on the admissions website.

Financing your education

To learn more about the cost of the program and options for financial support, please visit Financing STEP on the admissions website.

Contact admissions

For more information on the application process, contact STEP Student Services Officer and Credential Analyst Michaela Ruiz at maruiz@stanford.edu. To attend STEP admissions webinars (May-November), visit the admissions event page.

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