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Substitute Pathway (PICT)

A teacher stands in front of a classroom, holding a paper and smiling at her students.

Pathway to Increase Community Teachers

The Pathway to Increase Community Teachers program (PICT) is designed to provide targeted communities with qualified substitutes that are familiar with the community in which they work. PICT will provide qualified community members the opportunity to support their community. This program will cover the fees necessary to qualify substitutes for employment, provide the support necessary to be successful in a classroom, and connect community members through a mentorship with veteran teachers.

                     

 

Program Overview

The Pathway to Increase Community Teachers Program, created by the Alameda County Office of Education, aims to train and support substitute teachers by providing essential skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and effective teaching tools. Participants receive training in key areas such as lesson planning, classroom management strategies, and student engagement techniques. There is no cost to participate, and candidates will receive a stipend upon successful completion. Additionally, costs for substitute teaching applications and fingerprinting are reimbursed.The program lasts seven days, featuring four days of virtual training, one day of in-person teaching shadowing, and two follow-up community practice sessions. Support is provided for securing substitute teaching positions. Ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and additional resources are available to help graduates succeed.

  • This program is great for beginning substitutes and substitutes who would like additional training and support.
  • This program is also fitting for someone who has completed their BA as it is a requirement
  • This program is also for someone who has over 90 units/credits and enrolled in an accredited College/University to complete their BA.

Skill Development:

  • The program equips participants with essential skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement, ensuring they are well-prepared for substitute teaching roles.

Accessibility:

  • It is open to individuals with no prior teaching experience, making it an inclusive opportunity for anyone interested in entering the teaching profession.

Financial Support:

  • Participants receive a stipend upon successful completion of the training and are reimbursed for application and fingerprinting costs.

Employment Assistance:

  • The program offers support in securing substitute teaching positions.

Ongoing Support:

  • Graduates benefit from continued mentorship and networking opportunities, fostering professional growth and enhancing their teaching effectiveness in local classrooms.

Program Requirements: 

  • Must have a bachelor’s degree or have completed at least 90 college units and be able to provide proof of active enrollment toward a BA degree.

Certificate of Clearance (COC):

To participate, you must have a valid Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

  • If you already hold a Substitute Teaching Permit, you’ve already met this requirement.
  • If you’re applying for a sub permit, the COC is part of that process.
  • Once your Certificate of Clearance is confirmed, you’ll be officially added to the participant list.

Next Steps:

Important Note for International Applicants

If your degree is from a non-U.S. institution, you must provide a transcript evaluation from a Commission-approved agency verifying it is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please click on this link: Commission Approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies to view options for foreign transcripts evaluation businesses. 

  • Note: The PICT program does not reimburse transcript evaluation fees.

Upcoming Cohort Information

PICT Fall Training for Substitute Teachers – Register Now!

PICT is offering a multi-day, in-person training this fall for new and current substitute teachers, hosted at the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE).

 

 

 

What to Expect

  • September 22–24 – PICT Institute (In-person)

  • Foundational substitute training including classroom management, instructional strategies, and student engagement
     
  • Receive a $750 stipend for full participation
     

  • September 25 – Classroom Shadowing Day

  • Shadow an experienced teacher and, if comfortable, step into a lead substitute role

  • Receive a $250 stipend

  • Total Stipend Potential: Up to $1,200
    (plus reimbursement for fingerprinting and substitute permit application fees – receipts required)

 

Training Details
  • When: September 22–25, 2025
  • Where: Alameda County Office of Education, 313 W. Winton Ave, Hayward, CA 94544
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Register Click here to Register
  • Deadline to register: September 15, 2025
 

 

What does Fall PICT look like?
  • 7 days of training: 4 days virtual, 1 day in-person shadowing, and 2 follow-up sessions.
  • Support with job placement, mentorship, networking, and additional resources.
  • Stipend upon completion and reimbursement for application and fingerprinting fees.

 

Additional Resources

Upcoming Events

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Contact Us

Michelle WongMichelle Wong
Program Director, Entry Pathways
(510) 670-4118
mwong@acoe.org

 

Ashley KnightAshley Knight
Entry Pathways Career Guide
(510) 670-1809
aknight@acoe.org

 

Juan MaciasJuan Macias
Entry Pathways Career Guide
(510) 670-1810
jmacias@acoe.org