If you’re an aspiring educator or seeking a teaching credential, California’s Kern County boasts huge opportunities for those with a calling in education. PLNU’s School of Education graduate programs offered at their satellite Bakersfield campus allow you to complete your Master of Arts in Education program while making valuable connections in this prosperous education community.
Here are some of Kern County’s most impressive school districts and why you should consider pursuing teaching in Bakersfield and its surrounding areas.
An Overview of Education in Kern County
Kern County has a large, flourishing community of educators and students. According to 2021 data from the Educational Data Partnership, there are over 195,300 students enrolled in Kern County schools. These students constitute 161 elementary schools, 34 high schools, and 37 middle schools. Additional schools in Kern County include charter schools (15), continuation schools (12), junior high (7), K-12 (7), special education (1), and more.
Kern County’s schools’ communities are also growing substantially. Kern’s overall enrollment has grown from 185,236 during the 2016-17 school year to 195,310 in the 2020-21 school year. Charter school enrollment has significantly increased from 9,200 in 2016 to 20,489 in 2021.
Throughout this exciting student growth, schools in Kern County are still committed to their 21:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring that students can receive the individual education and support they need to succeed. As the schools have grown, so have opportunities for teachers and academic support. Records show there were 9,572 teachers in the 2018-19 school year. Over 1,600 of those educators were first- or second-year teachers. These schools are looking for people like you with a dedication to providing exceptional education.
Click here for more data and statistics about Kern County.
What is the Largest School District in Kern County?
The Kern High School District (KHSD) is not only the largest school district in Kern County, but is also ranked as one of the largest public school districts in California. KHSD includes 18 high schools (15 of these are in Bakersfield), six alternative education schools, one adult school, and one career and technical education regional training center. Enrollment for the district in the 2020-21 school year was 42,370 students.
Here are all their schools: Kern High School District Directory
Kern High School District’s mission statement explains that every program and service they select is to help students be prepared to succeed in the workforce and post-secondary education. These high schools feature incredible programs in booming industries like medical assistance, manufacturing, agriculture, video game design, graphic arts, banking and finance, engineering, video production, aviation, mobile app development, and more. Getting students involved with these exciting subjects in hands-on environments can tremendously help them discover their passions and enter into their chosen fields with confidence.
Best School Districts to Work for in Kern County
Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) is the largest district for primary and middle school education in Kern County. BCSD contains 35 elementary schools and ten junior high and middle schools, and is home to 29,307 students (per 2020-21 census data). Their mission is to help students achieve academic excellence through collaboration, integrity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Click here to find out more about Bakersfield City School District.
The Fruitvale School District encourages its students and educators to innovate and persevere toward excellence. They teach their students to solve real-life challenges through special programs like speech pathology, resource specialist programs, occupational therapy, and more. Fruitvale includes four elementary schools and one junior high school, and includes 3,062 students.
Click here to find out more about the Fruitvale School District.
The Greenfield Union includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and one community school, collectively serving 9,334 students according to 2021-22 enrollment data.. They help students reach academic success with stellar programs like athletics, after-school SUCCESS programs, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs, the Greenfield Family Resource Center, and more.
Click here to find out more about the Greenfield Union School District.
The Delano Union School District (DUESD) strives to help students prepare for their collegiate and career endeavors by supporting students’ individuality, productivity, enthusiasm for learning, and cultural diversity. Their 13 forward-thinking schools include elementary schools, middle schools, math and science academies, language academies, and more. There were 6,392 students in the Delano Union School District during the 2020-21 school year.
Click here to find out more about the Delano Union School District.
The Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, home to 18,262 students during the 2020-21 school year, believes education is a partnership between educators, family, and the community. PBVUSD includes 20 elementary schools, five junior high schools, and one opportunity program. These schools feature programs like visual and performing arts, recreation and sports, and progressive technology use for students.
Click here to find out more about the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District.
Kern County District Jobs
Kern County has a variety of openings at their primary and secondary schools. Single- and multiple-subject teachers, administration, student support, security, technology, clerical support, transportation, and food service are just some of the career opportunities available now. Each school in Kern County is growing, adapting, or developing each school year.
Click here for available job opportunities in the Kern High School District.
Click here for available job opportunities in the Bakersfield City School District.
Teaching and Master’s Programs in Kern County
PLNU’s School of Education offers a variety of graduate programs at PLNU’s Bakersfield Regional Center campus. Master’s programs include teaching, educational administration, leadership in learning, and special education.
PLNU’s Bakersfield programs also offer certificates like reading and literacy, diverse and cross-cultural environments; and added authorizations for specialized topics like autism, orthopedic impairment, emotional disturbance, early childhood special education, and more. All these programs will prepare you perfectly for teaching in Kern County or wherever you find your calling.
Choose PLNU to pursue your passions and deepen your understanding of education in a fulfilling, community-driven environment. With the guidance and connections PLNU has to offer, you’ll be inspired to discover your strengths and be able to make strong steps to further your career in education.
Click here for more information about PLNU’s Bakersfield Regional Center education programs.
