From Artist to Educator: CTE in Teaching Artistry Credential at UCLA Extension

California has nearly $1 billion a year earmarked for arts education — and not nearly enough qualified teachers to spend it.

Proposition 28 directed historic funding to California schools to hire credentialed arts educators — only to find the pipeline dangerously thin.

Nearly all unfilled positions are concentrated in the highest-poverty schools.

This program is built to change that.

Join us for an informational session introducing the UCLA CTE Credential in Teaching Artistry — California's first, offered through VAPAE in partnership with UCLA Extension — opens a direct pathway into those classrooms.

Learn how this innovative program prepares artists and arts educators to become California Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers by integrating professional arts practice with high-quality teaching.

Earn While You Teach Employed in a middle or high school classroom from day one — earning a salary while pursuing the credential.

Six-Course Sequence Arts education, pedagogy, and practice integrated with CTE requirements throughout the program.

Five-County Reach Hybrid online and in-person classes serve LA, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura counties.

Event Highlights Learn about UCLA Extension's new CTE Teaching Artistry credential pathway.

Discover how artists and arts educators can become credentialed California CTE teachers.

Explore the program curriculum, course sequence, and credential requirements.

Learn about CTE opportunities in schools, adult education, and community arts programs.

Meet program faculty and hear about the vision behind this innovative partnership.

Review admissions requirements, prerequisites, and the application process.

Get your questions answered during a live Q&A session.

Learn about important dates, including application timelines and the Fall 2026 program launch.

Whether you're a practicing artist, arts educator, or a recent graduate looking to expand your impact, this information session will introduce you to a unique pathway that combines your creative expertise with meaningful teaching opportunities.