NCSOE Receives Grant to Help Classified Staff Become Teachers

12/20/2016 -

The North Coast School of Education (NCSOE) in December received a competitive state grant to help 40 individuals working in local schools in classified positions such as janitor, librarian, or teacher’s aide to earn a teaching credential.

The NCSOE, which operates out of the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), was one of just 25 agencies around the state to receive the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program grant, out of more than 60 that applied.

Funds pay for each individual’s college tuition/intern credential tuition, books, and fees (approximately $2,800/year) and provide guidance/support and credential program preparation. Anyone with at least two full years of college experience who is working in a classified position with a local school district, charter school, or county office can apply.

This program could be particularly helpful for districts with classified staff who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a credentialed teacher. It can pay more than half of the tuition and fees for the North Coast School of Education’s intern teacher credential program.

“Applications have already come in from all over the region,” said Karen Ricketts, Executive Director of the NCSOE, adding that more than 300 people have expressed interest so far. “This is an important part of our effort to support districts in getting highly qualified teachers in front of students during the teacher shortage,” she said.

Application Details
Applicants must be a classified employee at time of application with an associate’s degree or two full years of college. To apply they must complete the online application at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TCPGrantJan2017 by January 12th at 4:30 pm. As well, they must email one letter of district support and one letter of recommendation to Kathy Parnay at kparnay@scoe.org by January 12th at 4:30 pm.