Student to Teacher Pathway – October 2025

Ukiah Unified is quietly building a solution to one of the nation’s most pressing problems: the teacher shortage. Instead of relying solely on recruiting educators from colleges and districts outside the area, a strategy that often leads to higher turnover, Ukiah Unified School District is “growing its own” by creating a step-by-step pathway for local students to become teachers, administrators, and leaders.

The Careers with Children program, part of Ukiah High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, is the first step on this ladder. From there, partnerships with Mendocino College, Sonoma State University, San Diego State, and Cal Poly Humboldt provide a seamless route for students to progress from high school into higher education and, eventually, into classrooms of their own. The results are already visible: in the first year of the district’s residency program with Sonoma State, all eight participants were hired as teachers in Ukiah Unified schools.

A Three-Phase Pathway

The process starts in high school, where students can enroll in the Child Development CTE pathway. Students don’t just sit in classrooms, they gain hands-on experience through internships in Ukiah Unified preschools, working directly with young children. They also earn dual-enrollment credits from Mendocino College, giving them a head start on higher education.

Outside of school hours, the City of Ukiah provides another opportunity. Through the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program, high school students and recent graduates are hired to work with children of multiple ages. This early exposure to teaching helps students decide if education is their calling, and provides families with free afterschool enrichment and care for their children.

The second phase begins after high school graduation. Many students stay close to home and attend Mendocino College, where they complete general education courses and often graduate with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Studies. Thanks to dual enrollment and the district’s Middle College program, some students even earn their AA at the same time they graduate from Ukiah High.

From there, the path leads directly to Sonoma State University. Because Sonoma State maintains a classroom facility on the Mendocino College campus, students can complete their Bachelor’s degree without leaving the area. The design is intentional: students don’t have to uproot their lives or leave Ukiah to finish their education.

Finally comes the third phase: the teacher residency. Supported by grant funding, the Sonoma State program allows students with a Bachelor’s degree to complete a one-year teacher certification program while student-teaching inside Ukiah Unified classrooms. The district provides mentorship, practical experience, and, often, a first job. 

Expanding the Vision

The success of the program has encouraged the district to expand. Teachers already working in Ukiah Unified now have opportunities to advance their careers locally. Through a partnership with San Diego State University, certificated teachers can pursue a Master’s degree and administrative credential while continuing to work in our schools.

In addition, a new collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt will soon create a pathway for young adults with college degrees to earn a Special Education credential. With nationwide shortages in both general education and special education, these initiatives are essential to building a sustainable workforce.

Local Roots, Local Benefits

The philosophy behind the program is simple: education comes from the community and returns to the community. Students who grow up in Ukiah, study in Ukiah, and learn to teach in Ukiah are far more likely to stay in Ukiah. The district avoids the churn of hiring educators from out of the area, while students gain access to affordable, high-quality education without the burden of relocating.

The numbers tell the story. Ukiah High currently offers 20 CTE pathways with more than 1,000 students enrolled. Last year, 315 students completed pathways, many in Child Development. In the first year of the Sonoma State residency program, eight candidates finished, and all eight were hired as Ukiah Unified teachers. Thirteen more are currently enrolled, along with 24 teachers advancing their leadership credentials through San Diego State.

A Model for Rural Communities

Ukiah Unified’s model is gaining attention as a possible blueprint for other rural districts. By partnering with city government and multiple universities, the district has created a seamless, cost-effective system that benefits families, schools, and the community at large.

The stakes are high. Across the country, schools struggle to fill teaching positions, and rural communities face even greater challenges. But in Ukiah, the investment in local talent is paying off. When we build our own educators, we strengthen not just our schools, but our community. Our students see that meaningful, well-paying careers are possible right here at home. And our schools gain teachers who are committed to staying and making a difference in the lives of future generations.