Stockton Unified reports rise in credentialed teachers to about 74% and outlines recruitment, retention steps

District officials told the board that Stockton Unified has increased the percentage of credentialed teachers substantially in recent years and described continuing steps to recruit and retain fully credentialed educators.

Dr. Jason Murphy said the district’s credential rate rose by roughly 19.5 points over recent years and reported a 74.3% credentialing rate for 2023–24 compared with a lower baseline in 2021. “Hemos levantado la parte de los credenciales por 19.5 puntos,” he said, noting the state standard is about 80 percent.

Presenters credited better data quality and reporting (new CPAT protocol), targeted recruitment and retention initiatives, hiring bonuses, expanded health services for staff, and improved authorization processes for assigning teachers. They said the technology department and HR are central to cleaning CalPADS submissions and ensuring accurate assignment reporting.

Board members asked clarifying questions about "out of field" assignments and induction supports for new teachers. Staff explained that "out of field" means a teacher is assigned outside their credential authorization, that such assignments are generally voluntary or require exceptional authorization, and that the district offers an induction program with mentor support that is available both in‑district and externally. Staff said the district will continue partnering with universities and funding credential completion supports for staff who still need them.

The presentation closed with trustees being invited to access materials and an offer to provide visual booklets and online resources for site leaders and teachers.