The RCOE SOE recruits and supports educator candidates to diversify the educator pool in California. As a unit, the SOE engages in equity work, inclusive of grant opportunities to reduce barriers for educators. These recruitment efforts most recently have included the c3p2t grant, the addition of two Education Specialist Teacher Preparation Intern Programs and a Designated Subjects CTE Credential with three (3) distinct pathways. . The following describes how these programs in the SOE purposefully recruit, admit and support candidates to diversify the educator pool in California.
The C3P2T Grant aims to reduce entry barriers to those currently employed as non-educators in partnering districts. Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), in partnership with local colleges, universities, school districts, and charter schools, provides funding up to $3,200 per year for classified employees to further their education in the process of becoming a teacher. Funding is applied toward the cost of tuition for the completion of a bachelor’s degree and/or a teaching credential in the high needs areas of Special Education, Math or Science. Classified employees receive the funding in the form of a tuition payment directly to the university for which they are enrolled. In exchange, participants must then fulfill a promise to teach one year in the district/agency they are currently employed by, for every year of financial assistance received. Recruitment and support for the grant are carried out by both the employing district and the SOE. Recruitment efforts are managed through RCOE Center for Teacher Innovation (CTI). Support is provided and monitored by CTI, with CTI management providing test preparation resources and district onsite navigator (coach) support.
Preliminary Multiple Subject Teacher Credential Program (Intern) supports future educators by providing an intern preparation model, RCOE SOE provides expanded opportunities for greater numbers of diverse educators. The intern program partners with districts in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for intern placement. Support is provided by instructors, field supervisors, and program staff.
Education Specialist Teacher Preparation Intern Programs support future educators by removing barriers to teacher preparation. In many cases, these educators cite financial barriers as the most challenging to overcome. The intern model allows participants to earn a teaching salary while earning their credential. By providing an intern preparation model, RCOE SOE provides expanded opportunities for greater numbers of diverse educators. The intern program partners with districts in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for intern placement. Support is provided by instructors, field supervisors, and program staff.
C3P2T Personnel Positions:
District HR Administrators: Recruitment and Placement
District Grant Facilitator: Recruitment
CTI Program Management: Advisement and Support
CTI Program Specialist: Advisement and Support
District Onsite Navigator: Support
Education Specialist Teacher Preparation Intern Programs:
Director, Intern Programs: Recruitment and Support
Administrator: Recruitment, Support
Program Specialist: Recruitment, Advisement and Support
Designated Subjects CTE Program:
Director, DS CTE
Program Specialist: Credential