Partnering with School Districts to Help U.S. Teachers and Districts Thrive
Insights from the National Educator Shortage Summit
Strategic partnerships between districts and higher education institutions dedicated to teacher preparation are key to teacher recruitment and retention. That’s why Moreland University President Dr. Susanne Thompson and I were thrilled to attend the recent National Educator Shortage Summit where there were many insight-rich discussions with district leaders, educators, and other institutions dedicated to supporting the future of education.
A resonant theme at the summit was the critical role of partnerships and collaboration in addressing educator shortages. No single entity can solve this issue alone. School districts, educational institutions, and educator preparation programs (EPPs or EPIs) like Moreland University must work together to create a cohesive and comprehensive support system for teachers.
Support for Career Changers
The National Educator Shortage Summit emphasized the value of career changes in education. With their unique backgrounds, these individuals bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the classrooms — enriching the educational environment.
Transitioning into teaching as a mid-career professional requires specialized tailored support to help navigate the acquisition of new pedagogical skills and achieve certification. Higher education institutions like Moreland University are instrumental in this transition, offering programs to prepare these professionals to excel as educators.
Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, for example, uses a global cohort model to ensure aspiring educators are not only prepared for licensure but are also equipped to thrive in their new roles. Plus, the program can be completed in 9 months — helping aspiring educators get into the classroom sooner.
Just as our TEACH-NOW program is designed to promote teacher collaboration, Moreland is also committed to working collaboratively with school districts. We support districts across the United States to equip, enable, and empower teachers by creating pathways for teacher licensure. Designed by educators for educators, our programs serve current teachers with emergency or temporary licensure as well as new hires who come to the district with a bachelor’s degree and a desire to transition into a rewarding teacher career.
Case Study with Two Large U.S. Districts
Our partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia and Montgomery County Public Schools — the largest school district in Maryland and 15th-largest school district in the U.S. — are testaments to the power of collective effort. Across these two school districts, we’ve supported an estimated 200 teachers in earning their state licensure!
Becoming a teacher in Atlanta Public School is an enriching journey that’s enhanced by our partnership with Moreland University. Their comprehensive Teacher Certification program with a 12-week clinical learning experience can be completed in just nine months in a flexible online setting. By equipping our educators with the necessary skills and knowledge, we’re not just preparing them for success; we’re empowering them to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students.
— Rita McGlothin, HR Talent Management & Development, Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia
By providing a rigorous and supportive pathway to teacher licensure with our 9-month online TEACH-NOW program, we prepare educators to be highly effective in the classroom while empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.
In a sample employer survey we administered, 97% of supervisors reported that graduates had a positive impact in the profession, and 87% were satisfied or extremely satisfied with teachers’ demonstration of collaboration with families, school professionals, and community members. Additionally, 94% of supervisors reported satisfaction with graduates using a wide range of teaching skills, specifically with promoting students’ achievement of content standards.
These are sentiments we hear echoed among our partner districts, which underscore the unique advantages of working with Moreland University. We’re committed not only to supporting our candidates but also the districts they serve, which is evident in how we approach our partnerships:
- Direct support for individual teachers: We understand that each teacher’s journey is unique — often filled with challenges that require personalized support. By working closely with district leadership, we ensure alignment with the district’s needs while also providing targeted assistance to teachers facing difficulties, enhancing their chance for success.
- Regular meetings with districts: Transparency and ongoing support are the cornerstones of our partnerships. We hold regular meetings with districts to discuss the progress and needs of all Moreland candidates within their schools. This open line of communication ensures that we’re in lockstep with the district’s goals and teacher development plans.
- Comprehensive teacher support: Every teacher in our program benefits from a holistic support system to foster success:
- Academic support: Guide, nurture, and mentor teachers through critical pedagogical skills and knowledge of best practice.
- Licensure navigation: Assist candidates through the complex steps of licensure, ensuring they understand and complete all necessary requirements. Offer assistance with paperwork and documentation.
- Exam preparation: Support candidates in preparing for and passing state licensure examinations. (That’s why 89% of our candidates pass the Praxis test on their first attempt!)
How your district can partner with Moreland
We are expanding our network of partner districts, ensuring that our collaborative model reaches as many educators as possible. Our vision for the future is one where every teacher has access to the support, resources, and community they need to excel. If you are a school leader or HR professional seeking university partnerships that support your teachers’ success, we invite you to join us in this important work. Together, we can create a robust support system for our educators that not only addresses the current shortage but also lays the foundation for a bright educational future.
Learn more at https://moreland.edu/for-districts.
About Joseph A. Pearson, M.S.Ed
Joseph A. Pearson, M.S.Ed. is a value-driven educator and Partnership Development Specialist at Moreland University. He is an educational innovator who empowers educators across borders through collaboration with global schools and districts to enhance teacher recruitment, retention, certification, and professional development. His commitment to equitable education aligns with his doctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles emphasizing innovative online teacher development. Joey most recently led professional development on student-centered learning and educational technology at conferences and schools in Philadelphia, Orlando, and New York City; as well as internationally in Suriname, Guyana, Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, Uganda, and Kenya. Joey’s commitment to research-based practice and passion for fostering community have helped him reach educators around the world.
