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Santa Cruz COE highlights pilot Future Educators Summer Academy to grow special-education pipeline
Summary
Superintendent Farrah Sabah and HR chief Troy Cope presented a four‑week pilot that gave high‑school students paid field experience and professional development aimed at recruiting future special‑education staff; a senior participant called the hands‑on work “inspiring.”
Superintendent Farrah Sabah introduced the county office’s new Future Educators Summer Academy, a pilot program aimed at recruiting high‑school students into careers supporting students with extensive special‑education needs. Chief Human Resources Officer Troy Cope said the academy combines professional development with paid field placements so students can "earn and learn" while gaining classroom experience.
Cope described the four‑week schedule and the academy’s focus on special‑education roles, saying, "The academy is to help high school students learn about the many career opportunities in the extensive support needs programs in special education." Student Alondra Ponce, a senior who completed the program, told trustees she learned to use AAC devices and work toward IEP goals: "I have always known that I want to be a teacher before participating in the Future Educator Summer Academy." Amanda Burnham, a special‑education teacher and mentor, credited the program’s structure for accelerating practical skill development and recommended expanding participation and mentorship next year.
Trustees praised the pilot as a way to address recruitment challenges for specialized staff, with discussion about scaling the program and partnering with other districts. Board members asked about mentoring, district recruitment support and whether the model could be replicated in other special‑education pathways; staff said they intend to welcome returning participants as mentors to help sustain the program.
The presentation included district and COE staff recognition for program planning and a request that trustees help spread the word to local high schools and counselors so future cohorts can expand.
