Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1437090
New Support for Educators and Educators-To-Be Four programs aim to expand, diversify the workforce F O U R I N N O V A T I V E P R O G R A M S are poised to expand and diversify the educator workforce and bring more talented and prepared teachers to California's high-needs schools. This summer, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 130, which allocates approximately $3 billion to educator preparation, training and recruitment programs. This tremendous investment in educators and educators-to-be speaks to the current situation: a pandemic that has exacerbated the already-severe teacher shortage in our state and across the nation. Expanding and diver- sifying our workforce of teachers and incentivizing experienced teachers to teach in high-needs schools and fields are critical strategies to increase the number of educators in the state. The new opportunities: The Classified Employee The Classified Employee Teacher Credentialing Teacher Credentialing Program Program What is my commitment? ¿How can I apply and learn more? Is this program for me? What is unique about this program? Reach out to your school district's human resources or retention office and submit an application! If you are a classified school employee, such as a paraprofessional, tutor, custodian, or administrative assistant, and interested in becoming a teacher, then YES! Candidates can earn a grant of up to $24,000 over five years to cover tuition, textb ooks, and exam fees associated with becoming a teacher. To be eligible to apply, complete an AA or a BA and hold a position in a school district that hosts the program. To earn a credential, complete a BA and commit to teach in your district for each year of financial assistance received. Adapted from an article by Public Advocates Inc. and The California Teacher Residency Lab. Golden State Teacher Grant Program This grant offers up to $20,000 to education students currently enrolled in a professional teacher preparation pro- gram in high-needs fields such as special education, multiple-subject teaching instruction, transitional kindergarten, bilingual education, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics, plus computer science and other areas). Grants cover teacher internships and teacher residency programs. Upon completing their programs, teachers commit to teaching at a California priority school for four years. (Note: "STEM" is the language used in the program description.) For details, visit the California Student Aid Commission. Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program This program offers up to $24,000 over five years to classified employees, such as tutors, administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and cus- todial staff, to earn teaching credentials and continue serving their school dis- tricts as teachers. 3 1 46 cta.org Teaching & Learning