KCC education pathway program gives early start for aspiring teachers

For high school students aspiring to one day follow in their instructors’ footsteps, there is no longer a wait to get started on higher education pursuits thanks to an expanding Teacher Education Pathway Program partnering between the Klamath County School District (KCSD) and Klamath Community College (KCC).

KCC’s Teacher Education Pathway Program began in 2021 in order to provide Dual Credit pathway opportunities for future educators. Currently established at Mazama and Henley high schools, students can begin taking education courses through KCC as juniors and seniors toward a Paraeducator Pathway Certificate. Starting with fall term, Lost River and Bonanza high schools will also begin this pathway program with KCC.

As a certified paraeducator, graduates can work as an instructional school employee under supervision of teachers and other professional practitioners providing direct services for children, youth, and their families. This can include tutoring, classroom management assistance, parent-related activities, and instructional support services.

The Paraeducator Career Pathway Certificate is a 17-credit program that also serves as a precursor for an Associate of Applied Science: Education – Paraeducator Emphasis degree.

In 2022, four high school students earned their Paraeducator Career Pathway Certificate the same time as their high school diploma, while 12 other students enrolled at KCC for fall term to pursue their associate degree as a paraeducator. Four students received scholarships through an Oregon Department of Education – Education Advancement Council “Grow Your Own Educator” grant, which supports students and paraprofessionals enrolled in teacher preparation programs. Five Dual Credit program high school students are on track to graduate later this month with both their high school diploma and KCC Paraeducator Career Pathway Certificate.

Over the last three years, the KCC Education and Paraeducator programs have yielded 100% graduation and employment placement rates.

Additionally, an articulation agreement with Southern Oregon University allows students to transfer seamlessly with no loss of credits to pursue a bachelor’s degree and state teaching licensure.

“Because of the shortage of teachers and school staff, our program has begun to fill that gap locally with the high school pathway program,” said Peggy Bullock, KCC Education Program lead. “Our ‘Grow Your Own Educator’ grant has provided students in the Paraeducator Program scholarships to cover all tuition and fees while at KCC.”

Credit for prior learning opportunities are also applicable towards Paraeducator and Education certificates and degrees at KCC, providing a shortcut should applicable past education and career experiences qualify for college credits. These can include past military training and industry certifications, as well as demonstrated testing.