India Currents gave me a voice in days I was very lost. Having my articles selected for publishing was very validating – Shailaja Dixit, Executive Director, Narika, Fremont

Join me in supporting India Currents!

Teachers mold the next generation by inspiring them to be our future leaders and innovators.

It is a unique and critical profession that allows you to make a difference in a child’s life. Despite the endless possibilities with a teaching career, for decades the number of recent graduates pursuing a credential program continues to decline.  Schools continue to struggle to attract and retain teachers and staff that reflect the diversity of students in Santa Clara County. 

The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), schools, local and state governments are now providing innovative ways for future teachers to enter new careers in education.  To bolster recruitment efforts into credentialing programs, there are now more support networks and grant opportunities for candidates than ever before.  California students enrolled in a teacher preparation program in a high-need field such as bilingual education, special education and transitional kindergarten may be eligible to receive up to $20,000 through the Golden State Teacher Grant Program.  In Santa Clara County, the Earn One, Add One grant provides current school employees to receive their special education credential tuition free. 

With the continued expansion of the SCCOE Educators Preparation Programs like EPIC and LEAP, offered through the County Office of Education, special education teachers and leaders are prepared to enter the profession with valuable support throughout the credentialing process.  Many Santa Clara County school districts also offer new teachers mentor match and induction programs to ensure they have the tools they need to be successful in their first year in the profession. 

In addition to the elevated layers of support to new teachers in Santa Clara County, new state legislation is removing barriers to provide more affordable, flexible options for candidates to earn a teaching credential. 

With the high-demand for teachers right now, there are plenty of job opportunities, job stability and improving salary and benefits packages available.  If you are interested in joining a passionate, collaborative career field where you can make a difference and influence the next generation, I encourage you to learn more about how to become a teacher and the available resources to help you through the process. For more information go to https://sccoe.to/credentialservices.