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The Career Ladder began in 1994 to recruit LAUSD paraeducators to become teachers.  Today, we host a variety of grow your own programs from high school students to classified staff on their path to teaching or school nursing.  Our programs offer financial assistance, test preparation and individualized mentorship to help members reach their choosen career goals in high need areas.

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Our Career Ladder Programs

Supporting Teacher Education, Preparation and Undergraduate Programs (STEP UP and Teach)

STEP UP and Teach is for District paraeducators in job classes in Unit B or Unit F, who are seeking to become teachers in high need subject areas.  Current cohorts are for:

Special Education (SPED): For those seeking an Education Specialist credential in Mild to Moderate Disabilities (MMD), Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Visual Impairments (VI) or MMD with an Adapted Physical Education added authorization (APE).

Multilingual and Multicultural Education (MM): For those who wish to obtain a bilingual authorization along with their teaching credential or a Foreign Language teaching credential.

Science and Mathematics (STEM): For those with the goal of a Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics credential. 

Building Our Own Staff as Teachers (BOOST)

BOOST is for any District classified staff who have a desire to become a teacher in a designated high-needs subject area.  BOOST has 45 spots funded by a Classified Programs grant from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Career Assistance for RNs in Education (CARE)

CARE is LAUSD's newest Career Ladder program. CARE provides individualized support, mentoring, and financial assistance to classified employees seeking a career in school nursing.

Teacher Assistant Unit

The Teacher Assistant Unit is responsible for helping schools in recruiting and onboarding Teacher Assistants.  If you are already a Teacher Assistant or have questions about a current Teacher Assistant, please feel free to contact the Teacher Assistant Assignments Unit at TeacherAsssistantAssignments@lausd.net or find the appropriate Assignment Technician on the TA Unit website.

Study Materials And Resources for Testing (SMART)

SMART offers instructor-led test preparation courses for credentialing exams.  Current courses include CBEST Reading and Writing, CBEST Mathematics, CSET Multiple Subjects (All 3 subtests), CSET Mathematics (All 3 subtests), and CSET Science Subtest 1 - General Science.

Educators of Tomorrow (EOT)

Educators of Tomorrow is offered in partnership with the Career Ladder and Linked Learning for high school students in Education pathway programs and courses.  EOT assists students in preparing for and taking District employment exams prior to graduation to help them become career and college ready.  Upon graduation, EOT students are provided additional support in applying for job opportunities within LAUSD.

Career Ladder Document Submission

The following link has been created to streamline submission of documents to the Career Ladder.

teachinla.co/ladderdocs

Please scan documents into a single pdf when possible. A received receipt will automatically be issued.

Why use this form?

Immediate receipt of documents and receive a submission receipt in your email.

Retain originals for your records.

What to submit?

Applicants: Submit copies of transcripts

Principals: Submit STEP UP/ BOOST Recommendation Forms

STEP UP and Teacher Members: submit tuition reimbursement requests with supporting documents, test scores, RISEs, etc.

BOOST Members: Submit reimbursement requests, BOOST Classroom Observations, etc.

Building Our Own Staff as Teachers (BOOST) is now accepting applications!

The Career Ladder is pleased to announce that there are some spaces available in the BOOST (Building Our Own Staff as Teachers) grant program.

BOOST Participants may be any classified staff who has completed a minimum of 60 semester units in college or an Associate of Arts degree and would like to obtain a teaching credential in a District identified high need teaching area.  Currently, Special Education, Physics, Chemistry, Transitional Kindergarten or Bilingual Education.

Supports include:

• Mentoring and guidance on credentialing requirements and teacher preparation programs
• Financial assistance up to $4,000 a year for:
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Test Fees
• Test Preparation Assistance
• Other Credentialing Expenses

BOOST is funded by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing: Classified Teacher Preparation Grant.  The current grant award provides funds for July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2027.