Tackling Teacher Shortages in California
The Golden State Pathway to Teaching and Leading Program, led by Western Governors University (WGU), is one of CWDB’s many High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP). It provides no-cost, accredited pathways for paraeducators or other school personnel to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree and receive a California teaching credential. With support from CWDB, WGU helps workers advance their careers while addressing teaching shortages across the state. Below we share stories from WGU participants about how the program has changed their lives for the better
Mercedes
Graduate, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
After 11 years as a paraeducator with Palmdale Unified School District, Mercedes knew she wanted to lead a classroom of her own, but financial barriers made that dream feel out of reach. Thanks to the support of WGU’s Golden State Pathways to Teaching and Leading HRTP program, Mercedes earned a Master’s in Teaching, Elementary Education earlier this year.
“This grant covered my tuition, student teaching, and alleviated my fear of accumulating debt that might burden my family… It provided the stability I needed to continue my journey toward becoming a teacher, ” said Mercedes.
“The High Road Grant has been a lifeline, both emotionally and financially for my family and me,” said Mercedes.
She’s currently working as a substitute teacher and preparing for her own classroom this fall.
Abby
Graduate, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
As a young mom of two, Abby balanced family, school, and the dream of becoming a teacher when she connected with WGU. Now, she’s joining the Temecula Valley Unified School District, bringing creativity, care, and a love for learning into her classroom.
“This support allowed me to spend more time with my children, something I couldn’t have done otherwise,” said Abby.
The Golden State Pathways to Teaching and Leading HRTP project seeks to remove barriers for aspiring teachers, particularly in rural and underrepresented communities, by providing wrap-around support like tuition assistance, mentorship, and flexible, competency-based education.
Angelica
Graduate, Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
Meet student teacher Angelica from Adelanto School District. Her ability to enroll in the teacher credential and Master’s in Education programs was made possible through WGU and partnerships of the Golden State Pathway to Teaching and Leading HRTP program.
“The education required for teachers is not easy, but knowing I had no financial stress made it much less scary,” said Angelica.
Angelica knew she couldn’t afford to leave work for unpaid student teaching. The program’s wrap-around services made her career possible by removing financial barriers.
Elissa
Graduate, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
Elissa from Woodland Joint Unified School District earned her master’s and multiple subject teaching credential from WGU in under a year.
With support from WGU’s Golden State Pathways to Teaching and Leading HRTP program, Elissa’s tuition was covered, and she received a scholarship during her 12 weeks of unpaid student teaching, relieving major financial and emotional stress.
“Without this program, the mental, financial, and emotional stress on my family and me would have been overwhelming,” said Elissa.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the High Road Program,” said Elissa.
Holly
Graduate, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
Holly is one of California’s newest credentialed teachers working in Clovis Unified School District. She recently earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from HRTP grantee WGU. As a mom of two, Holly faced the challenge of balancing student teaching with family life and financial strain. WGU’s Golden State Pathway to Teaching and Leading program covered tuition and removed her need to work nights to support her family.
“This opportunity allowed me to dedicate myself fully to student teaching without the added stress of working nights to cover the tuition,” said Holly.
“I truly don’t know how I would have managed without the support of this program,” said Holly.
Laura
Graduate, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
Laura, who works for Clovis Unified School District, completed her student teaching with the support of WGU’s Golden State Pathways to Teaching and Leading HRTP program funded by CWDB.
The HRTP funding allowed her to fully focus on developing her teaching skills and creating meaningful learning experiences, without the burden of financial stress.
“Thank you for investing in future educators like me! I look forward to inspiring young minds and fostering a love for learning in the classroom,” said Laura.
“The experience I gained at WGU, combined with this support, has strengthened my confidence as I transition into becoming a full-time teacher,” said Laura.