Compendium of K-12 Educator Pipeline Programs

This compendium is part of the K-12 Educator Pipeline Resource Hub. Explore the hub for our full suite of research and tools for building a sustainable pipeline of district educators.

Enrollment and completion rates in traditional teacher preparation programs have steadily declined over the past decade, pushing districts to rethink how they build and sustain educator pipelines. As a result, district leaders must build more interest in the profession by tapping into local talent and creating clear, accessible routes into education as a career.

District leaders pursue these goals through a range of approaches—commonly using alternative credentialing programs that create new entry points for career changers or district staff looking to upskill, and (less frequently) introducing students to teaching careers earlier through high school pathway initiatives. These efforts represent opportunities to encourage earlier interest in teaching and build a longer-term pipeline of future educators.

However, district leaders have shared that with so many program models—and so much variation in structure—it can be challenging to determine how to design the most effective programs.

EAB has developed a comprehensive compendium that serves as both a reference and a practical guide for districts seeking to build and strengthen their local educator pipeline development programming. It showcases a wide range of both K-12 student pathway and alternative credentialing programs from across the country. This compendium will help your district identify effective models, adapt proven strategies, and accelerate the development of a stronger educator pipeline. The compendium features three key components: