The results demonstrate need and desire on the part of Kern County educators to obtain more highly specialized degrees. The teachers responding to the survey indicated that they are willing to work evenings and weekends to get the course work that they need. Office Education Outreach Department's immediate focus is to serve the needs of Kern County educators. Skilled teachers are the most critical of all schooling inputs. Currently, the City of Bakersfield is generally well served with educational opportunities.
All institutions identified by respondents offer programs in the urban area.
However, those residing in the remote areas of the county have the challenge of long commutes or sparse offerings. Advanced courses, such as those offered by the University of California, are infrequent. The result is that Kern County has fewer teachers with advanced work. Statewide, 20.6 percent of the teachers have a Masters degree plus 30 hours. Kern County has 13.9 percent.