Education

California’s education sector stands as one of the most dynamic and vital components of the state’s social and economic infrastructure. At its core, this sector encompasses a broad range of careers focused on nurturing individual growth, learning, and long-term success. From early childhood education to postsecondary administration, professionals across the sector work together to create meaningful learning environments and human development systems for all Californians.

The California Community Colleges are pivotal contributors within the education sector, with the system serving the largest and most diverse student body in California higher education. Vision 2030 – A Roadmap for California Community Colleges prioritizes multiple strategic directions and actions aimed at increasing educational access, support, and success. Additionally, early childhood education has been identified as a priority sector of focus for workforce development.

Aligned with Vision 2030, the Workforce and Economic Development Division at the Chancellor’s Office is advancing multiple education sector-focused strategies including but not limited to:

  • Expanding California Community College and California State University Teacher Preparation Pathways
  • Increasing Paraprofessional and Teacher/Faculty Preparation Program and Credential Offerings at California Community Colleges
  • Improving Mechanisms for Course Credit Attainment and Mobility (Credit-for-Prior Learning, Competency-Based Education, Apprenticeship)
  • Integrating Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning

PAVE Toolkit

Pathways for Advancing Visionary Educators

Paving the way to grow more California teachers through intersegmental partnerships.

California faces a significant and persistent teacher shortage, impacting various subject areas and regions. One key factor is that fewer individuals are entering teacher preparation programs, resulting in a smaller pool of qualified candidates. Leaders from colleges, universities, and systems offices continue to come together to address this critical question of how to create more seamless transfer pathways between the community colleges and state universities to grow and support more teachers across California.

More About the Toolkit

In addressing this trend, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and California State University Chancellor’s Office committed to support strengthening and expanding the pipelines between their two systems. The PAVE Toolkit: Pathways for Advancing Visionary Educators is designed as a resource to contribute to that effort. The toolkit is dedicated to strengthening educator programs across these institutions, creating a more seamless transition for future educators, and promoting a lasting positive impact on the teaching profession in California.

Through cross-system collaboration and the inclusion of practical tools, strategies, and real-world examples, this toolkit supports the institutions in developing inclusive, seamless pathway partnerships that prepare a diverse and effective teaching workforce. The ultimate goal of the PAVE Toolkit is to ensure students experience a clear, high-quality, and well-supported journey through California’s community college and state university systems—leading them toward successful careers as educators.

To make the toolkit actionable and practical, the authors developed checklists with simple, evidence-based steps aligned with each theme. Then identified current opportunities that institutions can leverage to support these actions. Suggestions on How to Get Started, Resources, and Reports are also included.

CSU Website 
Download the Toolkit
PAVE Podcast 
Podcast Transcript

Through a comprehensive review of a wide range of reports and resources, the authors identified recurring themes that consistently support student and educator success. These six common themes became the foundation for the PAVE Toolkit. Additionally, the toolkit highlights successful partnerships, regional collaborations, and programs that exemplify these themes in action—offering inspiration and guidance to colleges and campuses.

Strengthening partnerships to align goals, share resources, and provide cohesive support structures for students in educator preparation programs. Encouraging cross institutional collaboration and the sharing of promising practices to create an interconnected network of educators and institutions.
Prioritizing equitable opportunities for all students, especially those from historically underserved communities, to pursue a career in education.
Identifying and addressing barriers to teacher preparation, such as financial obstacles, accessibility, and lack of support, to create a more inclusive, integrated, and efficient pathway for future educators.
Tackling California’s teacher shortages by providing resources and support to cultivate and retain a robust, diverse educator workforce.
Promoting transparency and data-sharing practices across institutions to improve tracking, establish workforce needs, program evaluation, and decision-making, that ultimately enhances program outcomes.
Establish an active partnership through student service supports at both the CCC and CSU by incorporating comprehensive advising to coordinate efforts and address barriers from application through enrollment phases.

Meet the Team

Name Title Contact Information
Cheri Fortin Dean 916.327.8232
Betsy Yee Associate Program Analyst 916.323.1761
Amy Smith Visiting Executive for Strategic Initiatives ASmith@CCCCO.edu