EDUCATION PATHWAY
The Impact of an Education pathway
Choosing a career in education allows you to shape the future and inspire the next generation to achieve success. If you are driven to improve students’ lives and have a passion for guiding, teaching, and fostering learning, then the education pathway may be the right direction for you.
Choosing a career in education allows you to shape the future and inspire the next generation to achieve success. If you are driven to improve students’ lives and have a passion for guiding, teaching, and fostering learning, then the education pathway may be the right direction for you.
Growing Demand for Education Professionals
Education careers in the Inland Empire continue to see strong demand as the region’s population grows and school systems expand to meet student needs. Positions across teaching, counseling, administration, and support services remain essential, with steady job openings driven by workforce turnover, retirements, and enrollment shifts. Education remains a stable and vital career pathway supporting long-term community and economic development in the IE.
Rising Need for Special Education & Support Roles
The Inland Empire is experiencing an increasing need for special education teachers, instructional aides, school counselors, and mental health professionals. As districts place greater emphasis on inclusive education and student wellness, demand for these roles continues to rise. Growth in these occupations reflects a broader regional focus on supporting diverse learners and expanding student services across K–12 and postsecondary institutions.
California Teacher Shortage Continues
School districts throughout the Inland Empire continue to face ongoing educator shortages, particularly in special education, math, science, and bilingual education. Many positions remain difficult to fill each year, creating challenges for schools serving fast-growing and high-need communities. Addressing these shortages is critical to ensuring equitable access to quality education for students across the region.
Careers & Typical Earnings in Education
Preschool Teacher
Median annual wage: $37,120
Middle School Teacher
Median annual wage: $62,970
Career & Technical Education Teacher
Median annual wage: $62,910
Kindergarten Teacher
Median annual wage: $61,430
High School Teacher
Median annual wage: $64,580
School & Career Counselor / Advisor
Median annual wage: $65,140
Elementary School Teacher
Median annual wage: $62,340
Special Education Teacher
Median annual wage: $64,270
Elementary / Middle / High School Principal
Median annual wage: $104,070
Inland Empire Employers That Hire Business Talent
Public Education & County Offices
Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)
(teachers, counselors, administrators, support services)
https://www.rcoe.usSan Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS)
(educators, instructional support, leadership roles)
https://www.sbcss.netLocal school districts across Riverside and San Bernardino counties
(K–12 teachers, special education, classified staff)
K–12 School Districts
Riverside Unified School District (RUSD)
https://www.riversideunified.orgMoreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD)
https://www.mvusd.netSan Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD)
https://www.sbcusd.comFontana Unified School District (FUSD)
https://www.fusd.net
Colleges & Higher Education
University of California, Riverside (UCR)
(faculty, academic advisors, student support services)
https://www.ucr.eduCalifornia State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)
https://www.csusb.eduRiverside Community College District (RCCD)
https://www.rccd.eduSan Bernardino Community College District
https://www.sbccd.edu
Early Learning & Community Education
Head Start & Early Head Start programs
(early childhood educators, family service workers)
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.govState-funded preschool and child development centers
(preschool teachers, aides, site supervisors)Nonprofit and community-based education organizations
(after-school programs, tutoring, youth development)
Resources for Students, Families, and Educators
Regional Education & Workforce Resources
Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) –
Teacher preparation programs, professional development, and regional support for K–12 educators and school leaders.
https://www.rcoe.usSan Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) –
Career pathways, credential support, and training for educators across San Bernardino County.
https://www.sbcss.netInland Empire / Desert Regional Consortium (Strong Workforce) –
Supports education and career pathways across regional community colleges, including teacher preparation, early childhood education, and education support roles. https://www.rccd.edu/strongworkforce
Statewide Career Exploration Tools
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) –
Official source for teaching credentials, permits, and requirements in California, including step-by-step guidance for future educators.
https://www.ctc.ca.govCalifornia CareerZone (Education Careers) –
Student-friendly career exploration tools, interest surveys, and salary information for teaching, counseling, and education support careers.
https://www.cacareerzone.orgCalifornia Career Resource Network (CalCRN) –
Career planning tools and education pathway resources for middle school, high school, and college students.
https://www.californiacareers.info
National Education Career Information
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook (Education) –
Up-to-date information on job duties, pay, education requirements, and job outlook for teaching and education careers nationwide.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-libraryO*NET Online (Education Occupations) –
Detailed skills, knowledge, and task descriptions for specific education roles such as teachers, counselors, and administrators.
https://www.onetonline.orgTeach.org –
A national resource that explains pathways into teaching, certification options, and how to get started in the profession.
https://www.teach.org