Irvine Unified approves new 2025–26 courses, including two‑semester Careers in Education CTE pathway

The Irvine Unified School District Board unanimously approved proposed additions to the secondary course of study for the 2025–26 school year, including a newly developed two-semester Career Technical Education pathway titled "Careers in Education." The package also includes elective and honors courses across campuses.

Greg Guy, the Northwood High School teacher who will pilot the Careers in Education pathway, told the board the first semester ("Crusing Education 1") will be classroom-based and include field trips; the second semester will emphasize field work, job shadowing and mentored experiences with teachers, counselors and other education professionals. The district said the two-course sequence is intended to be compact so students can fit it into their schedules and to improve CTE completion rates.

District staff said they’ve submitted materials to local higher-education partners and expect the two-course sequence to articulate to an Irvine Valley College course (Human Development 10) if students complete both courses and required field work. Trustees asked about specifics of student placements, supports for the program, and the potential to expand the pathway to other high schools.

Board members praised the broad slate of courses in the packet — from sports management to engineering pathways and AP African American Studies — and moved to approve the proposed additions by motion. The board framed the Careers in Education pathway as a potential pipeline to address teacher-shortage concerns and to encourage students to consider education careers.