Educators Receive Administrative Services Credential

On Tuesday, February 23, 29 candidates graduated from the County Office of Education's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) program, a 13-month, equity-focused, accelerated program for educators looking to earn their administrative credential.

The PASC program is designed for full-time educators who are looking to earn an administrative credential to either deepen their current work or open up additional career opportunities in site- or district-based administration. Participants learn through a blended model of synchronous learning, asynchronous learning, and fieldwork to apply what they learn. The program is centered around building equity-minded leaders who ensure that every leader receives the social, emotional, and academic support they need to thrive.

The program's fifth cohort began meeting in February 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit San Mateo County. Despite teaching and juggling the PASC program at the same time, the candidates persisted, adapting and supporting each other through the county's transition to distance learning and return to in-person instruction.

"When I think of this cohort, the word that comes to mind is 'perseverance,'" shared Barbara Reklis, an instructional coach in the Sequoia Union High School District. "It's been one year – one long year, but still one year. In that time, we've learned to juggle, to ask for help, and to lend a helping hand. We've gained grace and overcome much. Thank you for your ongoing support throughout this year. It truly could not have been done alone."

At the virtual commencement ceremony, several candidates shared their enthusiasm for the program, appreciation for their fellow candidates, and excitement to serve as a school administrator in the years ahead.

"Through it all, we had each other to lean on in good times and bad," shared one group. "This is an experience that we could never imagine. Thank you to the teachers and all the members of Cohort 5. We truly have built some great friendships and created memories that we will never forget."