Determined to offer teachers the opportunity to put professional experience to use in the classroom and become an essential part of workforce development, Sac State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) is now offering a CTE Credential. The only one of its kind in Sacramento County, this new educational resource is giving those who are currently having to travel to similar programs in Southern California a credentialing option much closer to home.

The online program prepares teachers with the necessary skills to transform their career knowledge into educational curriculum. This affordable program is equally viable for industry professionals wanting to enter the classroom to share their expertise.

Teaching in a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway is where some of the most innovative teaching is happening today in education. Career Technical Education teachers are in high demand. According to CTE Policy Watch, “One-third of public schools that reported CTE teacher vacancies in 2020-21 found those vacancies very difficult to fill or were not able to fill them. Relatedly, 28 states and territories reported CTE teacher shortages to the U.S. Department of Education in 2023-24.”

Requirements to complete the program can be determined during the application process, based on prior credentials earned (if any). CCE offers the three courses needed to earn a CTE credential: Foundations of Career Technical Education, Teaching Strategies for the CTE Classroom, and Assessments for Instruction in the CTE Classroom.

While in the program, students are provided with mentorship and advising as they transition from industry to the classroom, or from a core academic teacher who is becoming a CTE teacher.

In August 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom called for a new Master Plan for Career Education, specifically to create and strengthen education and training pathways. A portion of the Governor’s plan reads: “These pathways will ensure that all Californians—whether youth just starting their first job search or experienced workers seeking a new career—can find opportunities that pay family-sustaining wages.”

“Over the last decade, California has invested over 2 billion dollars in Career Technical Education (CTE) and receives ongoing funding of over 500 million annually (CDE.ca.gov),” says John Pellman, Faculty Coordinator CTE Credential Program. “To meet the state’s investment and educational priorities, qualified and trained teachers must be added to the educational workforce to meet the demands of a changing economy and world. Recognizing the need, Sac State has launched a CTE Credential program. CTE is how our public schools deliver career education, and we intend to bring the resources, know-how, and experience of CSU Sacramento to offer a model CTE Credential Program to serve all of California.”

For more information about this new program, visit the CTE Credential Program website.