California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program

Overview:
A state-funded grant program providing financial support to classified school employees and paraeducators to earn four-year degrees and teaching credentials. Established in 2016 as one of California's largest investments to address teacher shortage.

Program History:

• Established: 2016 (CFT co-sponsored legislation)
• Initial funding (2016-17): $20 million for five years
• Expanded funding (2017-18): $25 million (year 2), making it the state's largest investment to address teacher shortage

Funding:

• State budget allocation: $25 million per year (as of 2017-18 budget)
• Award per participant: Up to $4,000 per year
• Total beneficiaries: Program designed to provide grants to 1,000 classified public school employees annually

Eligible Recipients:

• Classified public school employees
• Paraeducators
• School district classified staff

What the Program Funds:

• Four-year degree programs
• Teacher credentials/credentialing programs
• Educational expenses for classified staff pursuing teaching careers

Geographic Scope:

• California
• Administered through school districts and county offices of education

Program Goals:

• Address California's teacher shortage
• Increase teacher diversity by supporting classified staff advancement
• Raise income/career advancement for classified employees
• Build teaching workforce from existing school employees

Impact (as of 2017):

• Growing numbers of classified staff and paraeducators earning teaching credentials
• Participants raising their income
• Diversifying faculty ranks
• Helping to fill teaching shortage

California Federation of Teachers

• Sacramento Office: 916-446-2788
• 1225 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
• Burbank Office: 818-843-8226
• 2550 North Hollywood Way, Suite 400, Burbank, CA 91505

Application Process

Detailed application procedures not specified in source material. Program is administered through school districts and county offices of education.

To Apply:

• Contact your school district or county office of education for information on how to apply for teacher credentialing grants
• Eligible classified employees should inquire through their district's human resources or professional development office
• Contact CFT for additional information and guidance