Quick look: Industry professionals with real-world expertise can now earn a teaching credential through OC Pathways’ program, opening the door to share their skills with students while shaping the future workforce.
Have you ever thought about turning your industry expertise into a teaching opportunity?
OC Pathways‘ Career Technical Education Credential makes it possible. Through this program, professionals and educators can earn a Designated Subjects Credential and teach hands-on, career-focused courses to high school students and adult learners to inspire the next generation of skilled workers.
Led by the Orange County Department of Education, the initiative offers a flexible pathway for professionals to transition into education while continuing to work in their fields. It’s open to anyone with at least 3,000 hours or three years of industry experience who’s ready to share their real-world skills in the classroom.
The video above, produced by the OCDE Media Services team, takes a creative approach to unveiling the program.
Participants begin with a Preliminary Credential, which authorizes them to start teaching in their area of expertise. Over the next three years, they complete online coursework, classroom teaching experience, and a few additional requirements — like CPR certifications and U.S. Constitution modules — to earn their Clear Credential.
Designed with working professionals in mind, the program blends online learning and in-person support in order to allow teacher candidates to complete their credential in as little as 12 months.
Whether your background is in health sciences, engineering, information technology or another of California’s 15 recognized CTE industry sectors, the program provides the tools to share your trade with students exploring future careers.
OC Pathways is also collaborating with local employers, community colleges and school districts to connect talented professionals with schools that need CTE instructors. This partnership is intended to expand career education opportunities and strengthen Orange County’s workforce.
As an approved sponsor, OCDE offers state-funded educator preparation programs and recommends candidates directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. OC Pathways can directly help skilled workers become educators and guide them through every step of earning their teaching credential.
These efforts align with one of the key initiatives in OCDE’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan: expanding access to quality career education for all students. By connecting classrooms to industries, the CTE Credential program can help prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers that build Orange County’s economy.
Industry professionals and educators interested in learning more can contact the OCDE CTE Credential department at CTECredentials@ocde.us or 714-708-5898.