In an effort to increase qualified teaching candidates, the Santa Clara County Office of Education will host a “Step into Teaching: Opportunities in Silicon Valley Public Schools” event 9am to 1pm Feb.10 at 1290 Ridder Park Drive in San Jose. During the Saturday event, attendees will learn what is needed to become a teacher, how to navigate the credentialing process and receive information about compensation, benefits and retirement.
“Step into Teaching” will also provide networking opportunities with potential employers and the chance to interact with classroom educators and experts from Santa Clara University, San José State University, National University, UC Santa Cruz and the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s EPIC program.
“Teaching is a wonderful profession with challenges—but also great rewards,” Interim County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan said. “Teachers have the opportunity to have a profound positive impact in a young person’s life and influence future generations.”
According to the California Department of Education, enrollment in California’s teacher preparation programs fell from more than 700,000 during the 2008–09 school year to less than 500,000 in 2012–13. In 2014–15, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing issued 15,000 credentials, while the California Department of Education projected the need for California schools to hire 22,000 teachers.
“Step into Teaching” is designed for individuals with or who are completing their bachelor’s degree, business professionals with an interest in teaching and classified school employees looking to transition into certificated positions.
Registration is open through Feb. 7. For more information, contact Michelle Fine at
mi***********@sc***.org
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The event is part of a multi-pronged approach developed by a coalition of community organizations to address the looming teacher shortage. Members of the group include SCCOE, local school districts, San Jose State University, University of California – Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce and Santa Clara County School Boards Association.
