EnCorps Fellows Gain Clarity at December Credential Panel

EnCorps Fellows Get a Clearer Path Forward at the Teacher Credential Panel

EnCorps recently hosted a Teacher Credential Panel to help Fellows better understand the options for entering the classroom. The event brought together experts from LACOE, Alder GSE, High Tech High, and OCDE’s CTE program. Each partner offered straightforward guidance to help STEM career changers make sense of credential timelines, program structures, and the kind of support they can expect along the way.

The panel featured four credentialing partners who work closely with EnCorps and recognize the unique strengths that STEM professionals bring to teaching. Toni Perdomo from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) District Intern Program, Dala Alvarez from the Alder Graduate School of Education residency program, Brittney Quinones from High Tech High’s teacher residency, and Sarah Vielma from the Orange County Department of Education’s CTE Credential Program each shared what Fellows can expect from their pathways, including program length, cost, mentorship, and how industry experience can meet credential requirements.

What Fellows Learned from the Teacher Credential Panel

For many attendees, the conversation helped clear up common misunderstandings about credentialing. Maria, a Fellow in the Bay Area, said she was relieved to learn “the programs are affordable, not that long, and have strong in-class experience.” Knowing that most programs include an assigned mentor also made the process feel less overwhelming.

CTE pathways sparked particular interest among career-changing STEM professionals.

Why This Panel Matters for Career-Changing STEM Professionals

Aijaz, who attended from the LA/Orange County region, said the most reassuring part of the evening was learning “how to become a teacher using industry experience” and hearing clear explanations of CTE program requirements. He felt the open Q&A at the end of the session was especially helpful.

Fellows also appreciated the structure of the event. Instead of a one-way presentation, panelists showed slides and answered questions in real time. They also compared the programs side by side, which made the information easier to understand. 

By the end of the hour, many Fellows felt more confident about their next steps. Some planned to explore CTE programs, others intended to reach out to residency recruiters, and many simply appreciated knowing what questions to ask next. The event highlighted something central to the EnCorps model: when STEM professionals receive clear information and supportive guidance, the path to the classroom becomes much more attainable.

EnCorps is grateful to Toni, Dala, Brittney, and Sarah for sharing their expertise, and to every Fellow who joined the discussion. Events like this help our Fellows feel informed, supported, and empowered as they move forward on their journey into STEM teaching.

Next Steps for Future Fellows

If you’re exploring a move into STEM teaching yourself, we invite you to learn more about the pathways available through EnCorps. Our TEACH page offers an overview of what it looks like to shift from industry into the classroom and highlights how we support career changers at every stage of the process.