85-year-old earns teaching credential at CSUSB Palm Desert

As Bill McCloud celebrates his 85th birthday, he’ll be the oldest student to earn a teaching credential at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert campus.

“I thought that if I went back to school it would be too difficult for me to do it at my age,” said McCloud. “I think my biggest challenge was getting started because when I first began to read the books I had a little bit of a problem really understanding because I hadn’t been to school for a long time.”

However, age is just a number for the Banning resident. McCloud has balanced school while employed as a radio programmer. He has his own talk show, “Grandpa Speaks” on KMET 1490AM.

“What I do is teach people who are 50 plus how to reinvent themselves,” said McCloud.

He previously worked as a cameraman for the ABC Network and with several Emmy Awards under his belt he’s now fulfilled all requirements for a Designated Subjects California Teaching Credential at CSUSB.

McCloud will participate in the campus’s credential ceremony on June 11.

“I’m very proud to be here. I’m hoping I will encourage other seniors and also young people as well to continue their education because as long as you live you’re learning,” he said.

McCLoud said he’s got a good handle on computers thanks to online classes.

“One good thing about education today is there’s online training, as well, and you can stay at home if you feel you can’t get out if you have some disability or hardship that keeps you from going to class,” he said.

He hopes to teach broadcasting to high school students.

“I feel I have a lot to pass on to younger people,” said McCLoud.