GROWING OUR OWN: TEACHER PREPARATION PIPELINE FOR THE INLAND EMPIRE
| Lead Subaward Institution: San Bernardino Valley College | Pathway: Education |
| Date Funded: January 2024 | Amount Awarded: $800,000 | Project Completion: June 2027 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
San Bernardino Valley College’s Growing Our Own Teacher Preparation Pipeline project, in partnership with REAL Journey Academies, is designed to introduce high school students to careers in education and strengthen pathways into the teaching profession. Through education-focused coursework, hands-on classroom experiences, career exploration, and leadership development, the project provides students with early exposure to teaching while helping them develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to pursue postsecondary education and future careers as educators.
The project emphasizes experiential learning by connecting students with opportunities to work alongside educators in local schools, allowing them to gain firsthand experience in classroom environments and explore the responsibilities of teaching professionals. Students also participate in career technical student organizations, leadership activities, and regional and national competitions that strengthen their professional and interpersonal skills. By working to align high school coursework with postsecondary opportunities and exploring pre-apprenticeship pathways, the initiative aims to reduce barriers to entering the teaching profession while developing a sustainable pipeline of future educators to meet regional workforce needs.
Recovery with Equity Strategies: Cultivate inclusive, engaging and equity-oriented learning environments; Retain students through inclusive support; Support college preparation and early credit
“Students are not just learning about the teaching profession. They are stepping into classrooms, gaining real-world experience, and discovering their potential as future educators.”
PROJECT IMPACT
The Growing Our Own Teacher Preparation Pipeline project strengthened pathways into the teaching profession through hands-on classroom experiences, career exploration, and leadership development. In Spring 2026, 25 students gained practical teaching experience in local schools, while participation in FCCLA competitions and expanded academic coursework helped prepare students for future careers in education.
KEY MILESTONES
Students participated in hands-on teaching experiences at local middle and high schools during Spring 2026.
Educational Methods and Psychology received A–G course approval, strengthening college preparatory opportunities.
Developed Pre-apprenticeship by initiating the application process to establish additional pathways into the teaching profession.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Expanding education pathways. Supporting future educators.
Elementary Teacher Education
Students with an active academic program in SBVC's AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education.
Course Enrollment
Students enrolled in SBVC courses during the Spring 2026 reporting period.
Professional Development
Participants expected for the Dual Enrollment by Design professional development event.
Success unlocked | healthcare and education pathways photo gallery
View the moments from SBVC Success Unlocked event, where students gained hands on experience pathways such as education and healthcare.
Success unlocked | healthcare and education pathways video recap
Through hands on workshops and lessons from industry professionals in education and healthcare, students got a first hand look at what their future could look like.
PROJECT PARTNERS
This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.
