Compendium of K-12 Educator Pipeline Programs: West Region
On this page we’ve compiled educator pipeline case studies from the West region. First, check out the spotlights on exemplary programs that meet all three of our best-practice criteria, then explore alternative pathways by state. Each case study identifies the program’s actor (state, higher education institution, district, or non-profit organization) and outlines the best-practice criteria* it meets. Our research did not uncover any student pathway programs that met the criteria for inclusion on this page.
*Please note that for each program, we list only the best-practice criteria we could confirm based on publicly available information. If you know of additional details or have more information to share, please let us know here.
Program Spotlights
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AVANCE Teacher Residency Program
Alternative pathway in California
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy’s AVANCE Teacher Residency Program is a school-led residency program that prepares bilingual, English-only, and special education teachers through online and in-person coursework delivered in a cohort model through Loyola Marymount University. Residents receive a teacher’s salary, university scholarships, and classroom teaching hours toward certification, with a focus on recruiting bilingual educators from the local community.
Since the program’s launch in 2023-24, 14 people have graduated. Across the first two cohorts, 98% of residents identified as BIPOC, and 70% of the first cohort are now working in bilingual classrooms.
Best-practice criteria
- Low barriers to entry: This program offers online and in-person classes in the evenings to support adult learners. Additionally, participants receive tuition support through Loyola Marymount University.
- Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Residents earn a teacher’s salary during the program and gain student teaching hours towards their certification. Additionally, the program offers test preparation resources to help participants pass certification exams.
- Program alignment with district priorities: This program focuses on bilingual teachers from the community.
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EUSD Teacher Residency
Alternative pathway in California
The Escondido Union School District (EUSD) Teacher Residency program helps district paraeducators earn a Special Education Teaching Credential focused on Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs through university partners in California. Residents receive a $30,000 stipend plus salary and benefits while completing certification requirements.
Since the program’s launch in 2023-24, 10 people have participated in the residency, and four have been hired into full-time special education positions within the district.
Best-practice criteria
- Low barriers to entry: This program pays residents a $30,000 stipend to lower financial barriers.
- Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Residents earn full salary and benefits while completing the program. Additionally, upon completion of the program, graduates receive a four-year teaching contract with the district.
- Program alignment with district priorities: This program addresses district staffing needs by preparing and credentialing qualified educators to fill special education roles in the district.
Alternative Pathways
Alaska
Teacher Apprenticeship
This teacher apprenticeship program prepares paraprofessionals to transition into full-time teaching roles within their local districts. Coursework emphasizes Alaska Native culture and place-based education, aligning training with community values and instructional needs. This program is partnered with three school districts and five colleges and universities.
State
Led by: Alaska Department of Labor
Best-practice criteria
- Program alignment with district priorities: The program coursework is focused on Alaska culture and place-based connection to community.
Arizona
Arizona Teacher Residency
The Arizona Teacher Residency is a two-year graduate residency that prepares participants to earn teacher certification and then teach for two years in a partner district. Participants receive mentorship and are guaranteed employment in exchange for their service commitment.
State
Led by: Arizona Department of Education
Best-practice criteria
- Compelling ROI to maintain interest:Â This program guarantees employment for two years in a partner district.
California
Fresno Teacher Residency Program (FTRP)
The Fresno Teacher Residency Program (FTRP) is a one-year residency that prepares career changers to earn a teaching credential while working in Fresno Unified School District. Participants engage in a cohort model (15-20 participants), co-teach with a mentor teacher, and are guaranteed a full-time position upon program completion.
District
Led by: Fresno Unified School District
Best-practice criteria
- Low barriers to entry: Participants can earn up to $44,000 in stipends to cover certification costs.
- Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Graduates are guaranteed a teaching position in Fresno Unified School District. Additionally, participants are paid a substitute salary while completing in-classroom co-teaching.
- Program alignment with district priorities: Participants co-teach with a mentor teacher in the district.
Colorado
Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Program
This statewide apprenticeship allows paraprofessionals across nine districts to earn teaching certification while working under a mentor teacher. Apprentices complete job-embedded training, applying coursework directly in the classroom throughout the school year. Since 2024, 60 teachers have enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
State
Led by: Colorado Department of Education
Best-practice criteria
- Program alignment with district priorities: Apprentices work for their school district throughout the program under a mentor teacher, learning on the job and applying lessons in the classroom directly.
Teacher Alternative Teacher Licensure Program
This non-traditional licensure program trains career changers with a bachelor’s degree through one year of on-the-job experience in Steamboat Springs. Participants earn general and special education certifications aligned to district staffing needs. Since 2015, 50 teachers have completed the program.
State
Led by: Northwest Colorado Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)
Best-practice criteria
- Program alignment with district priorities: Participants earn a certification in general education and special education, based on Steamboat Springs’ needs.
Idaho
Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher (PaCT) Program
The Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher (PaCT) program enables paraprofessionals working full-time to earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification. All coursework is offered online, allowing participants to complete requirements around their work schedules and personal obligations.
Higher education institution
Led by: Idaho State University
Best-practice criteria
- Low barriers to entry: Participants complete all coursework online, allowing for full participation regardless of work schedule or personal obligations.
Educator Registered Apprenticeship Program (ERAP)
The Educator Registered Apprenticeship Program (ERAP) allows participants to work full-time while completing teacher certification requirements. Participants earn a full-time salary and benefits as they progress through job-embedded training during the day and complete coursework aligned to licensure standards while employed.
State
Led by: Idaho Department of Education
Best-practice criteria
- Compelling ROI to maintain interest: This program allows participants to work full-time while earning a full salary and benefits as they complete their training.
Montana
Northern Plains Network for Career Transition (NPNCT)
The Northern Plains Network for Career Transition (NPNCT) online teacher preparation program offers credential-focused coursework with embedded residency teaching experience. Participants can complete the program within one year while gaining practical classroom exposure.
Higher education institution
Led by: Montana State University
Best-practice criteria
- Low barriers to entry: Participants complete all coursework online, allowing for full participation regardless of work schedule or personal obligations.
- Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants can complete the program in one year, offering a short time to completion.
Utah
Alternative Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL)
The APPEL program is a state-run certification program facilitated by Ogden School District to train current school staff to become certified teachers in hard-to-fill subject areas. The program partners with local colleges and universities to place participants in flexible certification programs that meet their individual needs. 95% of program participants have returned to the district for full-time teaching.
District
Led by: Ogden School District
Best-practice criteria
- Low barriers to entry: This program is partnered with several local universities and colleges to match participants with the most flexible program that matches their needs.
- Program alignment with district priorities: This program prioritizes upskilling teachers in vacant subject area positions.
Washington
Teacher Training Program
This 18-month program prepares career changers to earn their special education certification. Participants complete 2,000 hours of hands-on training in four school settings focused on special education needs.
State
Led by: Washington Education Association
Best-practice criteria
- Program alignment with district priorities: Participants complete hands-on experiences in four different school settings with special education vacancies.
Wyoming
Teacher Apprenticeship Initiative
The Teacher Apprenticeship Initiative provides a pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a bachelor’s degree and full teaching certification. Full tuition support is provided to reduce financial barriers for participants.
State
Led by: Wyoming Department of Education
Best-practice criteria
- Low barriers to entry: Participants receive full tuition support, reducing the financial burden.
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