News Release: Los Angeles Unified and EnCorps Partner to Train and Mentor New Career and Technical Education Teachers (7.18.2024)

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July 18, 2024

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Los Angeles Unified and EnCorps Partner to Train and

Mentor New Career and Technical Education Teachers

The two-year pilot program includes funding from The Eli & Edythe Broad Foundation

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization EnCorps and the nation’s second-largest school district, Los Angeles Unified, today announced a significant partnership with funding from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. As part of a two-year pilot program that kicks off this summer, EnCorps and Los Angeles Unified will collaborate to train, retain and mentor new Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers to address the growing need for skilled educators in CTE programs, which are essential for preparing students to succeed in today's job market. The program will benefit nearly 10,000 Los Angeles public school students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, leading to improved academic performance and a more workforce-ready student population.

“Teacher retention and professional development are nationwide issues that directly impact students,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Collaborating with outstanding partners to support CTE teachers – who use their professional experience to guide career exploration – is a great way to ensure our students are ready for the world.”

CTE allows students to specialize in skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation. In Los Angeles Unified, there are 58 CTE career pathways across 128 schools. These programs equip students with technical and academic competencies for post-secondary education and careers, integrating real-world experiences through interdisciplinary, project-based learning.

CTE teachers are often technical experts but may lack specific, education-based training. To address this, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation is funding a two-year pilot program with the District and EnCorps for the 2024-26 school years. The program will support 25 new CTE teachers each year through EnCorps’ training and pair them with 25 mentor teachers each year.

“CTE is about preparing students for success in today's world,” EnCorps Executive Director Amy Kim said. “We are providing the next generation with real world skills, college and career readiness, and essential soft skills. However, to effectively deliver these courses, we need better-equipped teachers who are trained to integrate hands-on learning experiences, industry-relevant knowledge, and modern pedagogy into their curriculum.”

“Young people deserve access to opportunities that provide the skills, experiences and credentials essential for upward social and economic mobility,” The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation President Gerun Riley said. “We are proud to support EnCorps and its data-driven, community-based approach to connecting Los Angeles Unified students with CTE teachers trained to prepare students for family wage earning jobs.”

Mentee teachers will be trained in classroom management, inclusive teaching, cognitive behavior training, and leading project-based learning. This pilot aims to improve new CTE teacher retention, boost teacher confidence, and foster school-community connections. The success of the CTE teachers involved will benefit nearly 10,000 students, leading to improved academic performance and a more workforce-ready student population in Los Angeles.

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.

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