Building the Next Generation of Educators: Inside the Teacher Pathways Program

In classrooms across California, dedicated individuals are rising to meet one of the most critical challenges of our time; the teacher shortage. Many of these future educators begin their journey not in a university lecture hall, but in a support role, as instructional aides, tutors, and other classified staff positions, serving their school communities with heart and purpose. The Teacher Pathways Program, made possible through the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) and the Classified Employee Grant (CEG), was created to elevate those very individuals, providing them with the resources, support, and guidance they need to help them in their path to become fully credentialed teachers.

And it’s working.

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A Personalized Pathway to the Classroom

At the heart of the The Teacher Pathways Program is customized, one-on-one support. Every participant is paired with an Educational Advisor who walks with them through every step of their journey. Together, they create an Individualized Pathway Plan (IPP), a living document that outlines each step toward obtaining a teaching credential. Whether it’s help enrolling in a credential program, understanding CTC exams, or mapping out long-term goals, participants never have to navigate the process alone.

The result is a system that not only supports future teachers, it champions them.

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Designed for Working Professionals

The program is uniquely built for classified employees who are already working in school districts without a teaching credential, like afterschool and summer employees, instructors, teacher’s aids and more. With flexible online Grant EDU Courses, participants can continue working while completing their bachelor’s degree and/or credential program.

The Grant EDO courses are aligned with the California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) and include both lecture and practicum components. Participants receive access to study tools for key exams like the CBEST, CSET, RICA, and TPA, integrated right into their Canvas platform.

Plus, the grant not only supports coursework, it reduces financial barriers. Each participant in good standing is eligible for a living stipend of up to $3,500, and may also apply for additional support through state and federal grant programs, including the Golden State Teacher Grant, TEACH Grant, and Teacher Residency Grant, among others.

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Real Pathways. Real Results.

Participants can pursue credentials in the following areas:

Multiple Subject
Single Subject
Education Specialist Instruction
PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist

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And they can do so through any California-based, nonprofit, CTC-approved educational institution. Thanks to partnerships with over 45 colleges, universities, and local education agencies (IHE/LEAs), participants benefit from tuition discounts, informational sessions, and even credit for field experience when applicable.

Whether the goal is to teach in a TK classroom, support students with disabilities in high school and beyond, the program adapts to meet each participant where they are academically, professionally, and personally.

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More Than a Grant Program: A Movement

For policymakers, school partners, and educational leaders, the impact of this program reaches far beyond individual success stories. It’s a strategic investment in the long-term strength of our education system. By building teacher pipelines from within school communities, particularly among staff who reflect the lived experience of the students they serve, the Teacher Pathways program helps ensure that California classrooms are led by educators who are deeply rooted, highly trained, and profoundly committed.

And for the individuals it supports, this program is life-changing.

When people are seen, supported, and given a clear path forward, they become the kind of educators our schools, and our kids, need most.

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Ready to take the next step?

If you’re a classified employee dreaming of a future in the classroom, or a district partner hoping to grow your own pipeline of homegrown talent, connect with us here to learn more.

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