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Become an Educator. Start Where You Are.

Thinking about becoming a teacher or working in education, but not sure where to start? You do not need to have majored in education to explore a career in a school.

Brookdale’s PACE (Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education) Educator Pathways Program helps you explore two possible directions: becoming a teacher or working as a paraprofessional or in another educational support role. For eligible participants, required PACE training is provided at no cost through grant funding. You will build practical skills, learn from education professionals, and get help preparing for and searching for a job.

Whether you already work with students, are considering a career change, or are just beginning to explore education, you don’t need to have your career path figured out before you get started.

Interested in PACE?

Complete our brief Interest Form and a member of the PACE team will follow up with additional information and next steps.

PACE Educator Pathways Program Interest Form

Which Path Interests You?

Teacher Pathway

Interested in teaching young children, elementary students, a particular school subject, or a career and technical field?

PACE can help you understand your options and take the first steps toward teacher preparation. You can learn how your education and experience relate to certification requirements, and what you may need to do next.

Paraprofessional and Educational Support Pathway

Want to work directly with students and teachers?

Explore paraprofessional, behavioral support, and related roles. PACE training and practical experiences can help you prepare for work in an education setting.

Not sure which path is right for you? That’s okay. Exploring your options is part of PACE.

What Will I Do in PACE?

PACE combines training, mentoring, practical experiences, and career support. Program activities include:

  • Education Foundations and Brookdale’s Introduction to Teaching course
  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training
  • CPR/AED and First Aid training
  • Instructional practice, job shadowing, and education workplace experiences
  • Mentoring with education professionals

Depending on your goals, PACE staff can also help you understand teacher certification requirements, prepare for Praxis exams when applicable, explore teacher preparation or Registered Teacher Apprenticeship opportunities, and connect with resources that help you stay on track.

PACE also supports your job search and helps you prepare to pursue employment in education.

Is PACE for Me?

PACE welcomes people with different backgrounds and levels of experience, including paraprofessionals, substitutes, instructional aides, preschool and childcare staff, recent college graduates, veterans, and career changers. You do not need to already work in a school to explore PACE.

You also do not necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to participate. Specific teaching, employment, teacher preparation, or apprenticeship opportunities may have their own requirements. PACE staff will help you understand which requirements apply to your goals.

How Does It Work?

  1. Tell us about your goals. Share your education, experience, interests, and what you hope to do.
  2. Explore your options. PACE staff help you identify a teacher or educational support pathway that fits your goals.
  3. Complete training and experiences. Build skills through PACE courses, credentials, mentoring, and practical activities.
  4. Prepare for your next step. Get guidance on certification or further teacher preparation when relevant, plus support preparing for and searching for education jobs.

Everyone starts at a different point. PACE starts with where you are now and helps you understand how to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know which path I want before I apply?

No. PACE can help you explore teaching and educational support careers before you decide on your next step.

What if I’ve already completed Introduction to Teaching or other education training?

Tell PACE staff about the courses, exams, and credentials you have completed. They will review how those experiences relate to PACE requirements and your goals. Previous training does not automatically satisfy PACE requirements.

Will PACE guarantee a job, teacher certification, or an apprenticeship?

No. PACE provides preparation and support, but completion does not guarantee employment, certification, or placement in a Registered Teacher Apprenticeship.

Your Pathway Starts Here

You don’t have to know every step before you begin. If you’re ready to explore a career in education, complete our brief Interest Form. A member of the PACE team will follow up with additional information and next steps.

PACE Educator Pathways Program Interest Form

Have Questions?

Cristina Guevara
PACE Program Administrator
cguevara@brookdalecc.edu