Innovative and Equitable Pathways to Credentials and Degrees

Credentialing and degree program access varies by educator race, ethnicity, or cultural background (Paschall, et al., 2020). Teachers of color, teachers for whom English is not a first or only language, and teachers not born in the United States are less likely to hold a bachelor’s degree. At the same time, federal and state requirements, and a push to professionalize the workforce has increased demand for a credentialed workforce, resulting in an inequitable system of career advancement that favors white and English-speaking educators. How do we create and sustain equitable pathways to degrees to ensure an effective and diverse early childhood workforce? Join us to explore solutions.