Educator Preparation
Growing tomorrow's teachers today: Supporting pathways to education careers
Mendocino County, like many rural regions across California, is experiencing a critical shortage of qualified educators. We are committed to addressing this urgent need by preparing high-quality teachers through accessible, community-centered pathways.
Mendocino County Office of Education partners with two exceptional teacher preparation programs, Teach Lake County and North Coast School of Education, to support aspiring educators in obtaining their credentials while meeting the needs of our local schools and communities.
There are also Teacher Residency Programs available in Mendocino County. Instead of a traditional student teaching experience, which includes multiple shorter placements in different classrooms, a Teacher Residency Program provides credential candidates with an extended opportunity in one classroom, with one mentor teacher, for one entire academic year. This allows for the Resident to become fully immersed in the profession of teaching–starting with professional development and teacher workdays before the students begin their first day of school, and ending the year with work and reflection days after the students’ last day of school.
Teach Lake County offers an opportunity for aspiring educators to earn teaching credentials while serving local students. This program is a convenient, caring, and customized teacher preparation program designed for teacher and student success in rural, high-poverty schools.
This program is particularly well-suited for those interested in elementary education and special education settings. Please note that it is not designed for individuals specifically pursuing high school teaching positions.
The North Coast School of Education provides comprehensive teacher intern opportunities for individuals with a bachelor's degree who wish to earn a preliminary teaching credential through a state-accredited program.
For detailed information about application requirements, program structure, and timelines, please visit the North Coast School of Education website.
Credential Pathways Available
- Educational Specialist
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs
- Extensive Support Needs
- Single-Subject
- Mathematics
- Science
- World Language
- Multiple Subject
How to Get Credentials
California needs educators, especially in rural counties like Mendocino. There have never been more opportunities than there are now to become an educator in California. To make this process as easy as possible, you can find links to everything you need to know about becoming an educator on the link below. The roadmap shows each step of becoming a teacher here in California.
Teacher Residency Programs in Mendocino County
The Round Valley Unified School District (RVUSD) and Sonoma State University's College of Education, Counseling and Ethnic Studies are proud to announce the Na-nak-lamek Round Valley Teacher Residency Program. Na-nak-lamek (Yuki translation) means "Learning in process now" and represents the unique opportunity for individuals interested in teaching to earn practical experience in a culturally diverse educational setting.
Program Highlights
The program’s purpose is to ensure every child has an exceptionally well-prepared teacher and that every teacher receives high-quality preparation. The program strives to engage community members to become teachers in the place they already live, helping contribute to the educational success of the RVUSD students.
We are committed to developing local educators who reflect the diversity of the Round Valley community through:
- Flexible Learning Format: Online classes combined with Saturday "face-to-face" sessions at Sonoma State University's satellite campus in Ukiah, California
- Accelerated Timeline: Individuals with a B.A./B.S. seeking a credential can complete the program in just two semesters
- Practical Experience: Field placement at Round Valley Elementary/Middle School, requiring residents to be in the classroom for at least 50% of the school week
Join a cohort of resident peers, access professional development offered by the university, and begin a rewarding career in education while serving the community you call home.
For more information on RVUSD's Teaching Residency Programs, contact Joe Dukepoo at jdukepoo@rvusd.us or (707) 983-6171 x201.
Financial Support
The RVUSD Residency program offers significant financial advantages:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Financial aid is available to cover complete program tuition
- Stipend Opportunities: Additional funding may be available to provide stipends for participants
- Income While Learning: Residents may substitute teach during the remaining school hours to earn income while completing their student teaching requirements
Community-Centered Approach
Our "Grow Your Own" model focuses on:
- Supporting paraprofessionals in completing their bachelor's degrees
- Developing community members already invested in Round Valley
- Building a teaching staff that reflects our student diversity, where minorities are the majorities (primarily Native American followed by Hispanic students)
The Ukiah Unified School District Teacher Residency Program, in partnership with Sonoma State University's College of Education, Counseling and Ethnic Studies, offers an accelerated pathway to a teaching career through an immersive, hands-on preparation experience. Residents receive comprehensive training that combines rigorous academic coursework with practical classroom experience under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers.
All field sites for residencies are at Grace Hudson or Frank Zeke Elementary Schools.
Program Highlights
- Accelerated Timeline: Complete your credential program in just one year
- Practical Experience: Learn by doing with extensive classroom-based training
- Dedicated Mentorship: Work alongside experienced UUSD teachers who provide ongoing coaching and support
- Focus on Multiple Subject Credentials: Currently specializing in elementary education positions
- Bilingual Education Pathway: Special focus on preparing teachers for our dual immersion programs at Grace Hudson
-
Employment Upon Porgram Completion: Designed as a pipeline to employment within Ukiah Unified School District
Financial Support
UUSD's program helps remove financial barriers to entering the teaching profession:
- Substantial Stipend: $32,000 stipend during your residency year
- Golden State Teacher Grant: Up to $20,000 in additional scholarship funding for qualified participants (scholarship funds convert to a forgivable loan when you fulfill 4 years at UUSD)
- Total Support Package: Up to $54,000 in combined stipends and scholarships available
How to Apply
- Attend one of our recruitment information meetings (typically held around November/December)
- Submit application through Sonoma State University
Note: Prerequisites must be bet before acceptance - Complete interview process with UUSD and Sonoma State University representatives
For more information on UUSD's Teaching Residency Programs, contact Paula Lane at paula.lane@sonoma.edu.
Types of Credentials
Multiple Subject Basic Information
- Teach at elementary level and sometimes middle school
- Teach mulitple subjects to the same group of students
- General credential
- 5-year issuance
Resources
Multiple Subject Basic Information
- Teach middle or high school (secondary level)
- Teach the same subject to more than on group of students
- Specialize in a subject (not a generalist credential)
- 5-year issuance
Resources
How to Become a School Administrator
California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year preliminary credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements. A clear credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed. This credential authorizes holders to evaluate instructional programs, supervise personnel, manage student discipline, oversee fiscal services, and coordinate support services.
To qualify for a preliminary Administrative Services Credential, candidates must:
- Hold a valid prerequisite credential
- Complete one of the following pathways:
- A Commission-approved program in administrative services, including the Administrative Performance Assessment (APA)
- A one-year Commission-approved administrative services intern program
- Pass the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE)
- Complete five years of full-time experience
- Verify employment in an administrative position
Resources
How to Get Funding
Pursuing a career in education often requires financial investment in credential programs and professional development. Fortunately, various state and federal grant programs provide financial assistance to support your educational journey. These funding opportunities can help offset costs of preparation programs, examinations, and continuing education requirements.
Explore the resources to the right to find funding options that can help make your educational career goals more affordable and accessible.
Main Contacts
Director - Learning and Enrichment
Human Resources and Credentials Analyst I
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.