The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) has launched a new Teacher Support Program designed to better prepare, support and retain educators serving in juvenile court school (JCS) settings. The program provides comprehensive training at the beginning of a teacher’s assignment, followed by ongoing professional learning, reflecting both the challenges and the deep rewards of teaching incarcerated youth.

In December 2025, five newly hired teachers from multiple juvenile court school sites completed the first cohort of training and shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants highlighted the value of learning alongside experienced JCS teachers, gaining real-world classroom exposure and entering their roles with greater confidence and clarity.

A Thoughtful, Practice-Based Onboarding Model

At the core of the program is an intensive, five-day onboarding experience that pairs new teachers with veteran educators. The initial pilot was conducted at Camp Kilpatrick, where new teachers gradually transitioned into instructional leadership, teaching a lesson by Thursday and a full instructional block by Friday, while receiving continuous guidance and feedback.

This approach ensures that teachers understand not only curriculum and instructional expectations, but also the unique culture, systems and responsibilities of working in juvenile court schools.

Monthly Support for New Teachers

The Teacher Support Program is held monthly, allowing LACOE to continuously onboard and train new educators throughout the year. Training sessions address both instructional best practices and the realities of teaching in secure settings, including:

• Expectations for teachers in juvenile court school facilities

• Understanding gang environments and dynamics

• Engaging unmotivated high school students

• Designing and delivering engaging, standards-aligned lessons

• Classroom management and establishing safe routines and procedures

• Strategic de-escalation techniques

• Using praise, encouragement and feedback to build positive relationships

To further support teachers, LACOE developed a comprehensive Teacher Support Manual that serves as an ongoing reference throughout training and beyond.

Each day concludes with a Daily Debrief, where teachers reflect on what they observed and learned, followed by Next Steps focused on leading instruction the following day. Daily reflection is embedded throughout the week to reinforce learning and professional growth.

Why Teach in Juvenile Court Schools?

Teaching in juvenile court schools offers meaningful benefits, including smaller class sizes, comprehensive support systems, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of at-risk youth. While the work presents unique challenges, many educators cite the emotional reward of helping students re-engage with learning as a powerful motivator.

There is also the potential for higher total compensation due to year-round schedules and longer school days, making juvenile court schools an attractive option for educators seeking both purpose and professional stability.

Building a Stronger Pipeline for the Future

LACOE is also working to create a sustainable feeder pattern by developing agreements and partnerships with universities to place student teachers at juvenile court school sites. Planned partnerships include California State University Los Angeles, California State University Dominguez Hills, Loyola Marymount University and University of California Los Angeles.

Through this new Teacher Support Program, LACOE is strengthening its commitment to educator success, student stability and high-quality instruction in juvenile court schools—ensuring that teachers are supported from day one and empowered to stay and thrive in this critical educational setting.