(Eureka)—The Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) and Humboldt State University (HSU) have partnered on a program that provides funding for 10 qualified individuals wanting to be special education teachers. The Teacher Residency program allows candidates who already have a Bachelor’s Degree to obtain their special education teaching credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). HCOE is the recipient of a grant from the CCTC that makes this program possible to address a projected teacher shortage in Humboldt County.
A special education orientation Zoom meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 20 at 4:30 p.m. where prospective candidates can learn more about eligibility and the processes involved in becoming a Teaching Credential Candidate for fall 2021.
The Teacher Residency is being allowed for the 2021-2022 school year. Sponsored candidates must serve in a Humboldt County school district for a period of at least four years beginning after the first full year of preparation and the resident receives a preliminary teaching credential. Each accepted candidate will receive $10,000 to cover costs associated with obtaining the special education credential through HSU’s Special Credential Program. Costs may include tuition, fees, books and assessment costs.
Local school districts in Humboldt County are being encouraged to identify prospective Residency Candidates and encourage them to apply for eligibility. There are additional funds to support district-selected mentor teachers who can provide support and guidance to eligible residency candidates. Accepted candidates can work as paraprofessionals while earning their special education credential.
For more information about the Teacher Residency Grant requirements or information about the program, contact Dr. Colby Smart at the Humboldt County Office of Education at (707) 445-7030 or email csmart@hcoe.org or visit https://hcoe.org/teacher-residency/.
For more information about HSU’s Education Specialist Program and their application process, please contact Bernie Levy at (707) 826-5867 or visit https://education.humboldt.edu/content/special-education.