Compendium of K-12 Educator Pipeline Programs: Midwest Region

Tomorrow’s Teachers

Indiana University-Kokomo’s (IUK) Tomorrow’s Teachers program provides a pathway for high school 11th- and 12th-graders to take an education course each semester, earning a total of 12 dual credits that count towards an education degree and ultimately certification. Courses are taught by IUK faculty at partner high school campuses, online, and on the IUK campus. Participants also visit P-8 schools in their district and the IUK campus for field experiences and special events such as onboarding and graduation celebrations.

Higher education institution

Led by: Indiana University-Kokomo

Best-practice criteria

• Hands-on learning experiences: Students participate in school-based field experiences. These are hands-on and intentionally sequenced in local district classrooms that are coordinated and supervised by district educators and integrated into IU Kokomo education courses.

Early Childhood Education Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program

The Early Childhood Education Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program allows high school students to gain early work experience in early childhood education classrooms while earning academic credit, helping them to explore a teaching career prior to graduation. Students are paid for training through a variety of grants and scholarships available to both employers and students. As of 2024, 65 students across seven campuses were actively enrolled in the program. For more information on funding sources and how to apply see this funding overview resource.

State

Led by: Indiana Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: The program is structured as a stackable credential pathway, allowing students to earn a high school diploma, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree without needing to reapply between the stages.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students earn wages during on-the-job training and receive incremental pay raises as they advance through the apprenticeship, which helps sustain motivation and incentivize continued participation.
• Hands-on learning experiences: Students receive hands-on training in the classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher.

Middle School CTE Education Course

The Middle School CTE exploratory course introduces middle school students to the field of education and supports informed decision-making as they consider a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway in high school. The course provides foundational knowledge about the education profession and helps students evaluate their interests and goals before selecting a high school CTE track.

District

Led by: School City of Mishawaka

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: The single course is offered to middle schoolers without prerequisites or long-term commitments for high school, making it accessible to all middle school students who are curious about careers in education.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Middle school students earn high school credit upon completion, giving them a tangible academic benefit and early momentum in their educational CTE pathway.

Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (TPRA) Grant Program

The Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (TPRA) program provides high school students a structured pathway to earn a paraeducator certificate and associate degree. Participants gain practical experience by working in classrooms during the school day.

Funded through a state grant, the program supports over 1,000 participants annually across 11 school districts in Iowa. Participating districts can apply for funding to cover tuition, training, and in some cases, wages.

For more information about eligibility, participation, or how to get started, contact your district’s HR or talent office, or the Iowa Department of Education.

State

Led by: Iowa Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: High school students can earn and graduate with both a paraeducator certificate and an associate’s degree while still in high school, lowering the time and financial cost required to enter the educator workforce.
• Hands-on learning experiences: Students work alongside certified teachers during the school day, allowing them to apply what they learn in a live instructional setting.

High School Pathway

This high school pathway program offers students a structured, paid opportunity to begin working toward their teaching certification. While still in high school, students can earn up to two years of college credit through a local technical college. After graduation, they may transfer to a four-year university to complete their bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in just two additional years.

District

Led by: Republic School District

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students can take college courses through dual enrollment at the technical college, shortening the time required to complete a degree. They are also compensated for their participation in the program.

Cardinal Academy

The Cardinal Academy is a career-ready program that allows high school students to explore the field of education while earning dual credit in education courses through Done University’s School of Education. Courses are taught at the high school by district staff certified as adjunct professors, providing college-level instruction in a familiar, supportive setting.

District

Led by: Crete Public Schools

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students who earn a high number of college credits while in high school are able to complete their college degree in a shorter amount of time.

Like Me Program

Like Me is a college preparation initiative that supports students from high-need areas in becoming future educators by offering early, education-focused exposure through two components: (1) dual enrollment at local colleges to earn credit in introductory education courses, and (2) structured mentorship from current educators in partner school districts. This early exposure helps students explore the teaching profession while earning college credit. Like Me is partnered with several local school districts, such as Fostoria City Schools and Sylvania Schools.

Higher education institution

Led by: Lourdes University

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: High school students can access college coursework through dual enrollment, accelerating their time to degree completion.
• Hands-on learning experiences: The program emphasizes mentorship and employment pathways in partnership with local school districts.

Teacher Pathway

The Teacher Pathway program, offered in partnership with the University of South Dakota (USD), allows students to complete USD education courses within their high school classrooms. The curriculum is co-developed by USD faculty and high school teachers, enabling students to earn dual credit without needing to travel to a college campus for instruction. To support college exploration, the program includes an annual campus visit to both Vermillion and USD–Sioux Falls.

District

Led by: Sioux Falls School District

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Students complete the courses in their high school classroom, eliminating commute-related barriers and making the program accessible to all district students.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students can earn college credits that directly transfer into the USD teacher education program, providing an early start to earning their degree and decreasing the time to graduation.
• Hands-on learning experiences: Students engage with a curriculum that is co-developed by college faculty and practicing K-12 teachers, ensuring relevance to real classroom practice and alignment with state teacher preparation standards.

Pathways for Certification in Partnership with the University Center at McHenry County College

The Pathways for Certification is a district-led program that partners with the University Center at McHenry County College to help district staff and community members earn teaching certification in hard-to-fill roles (e.g., ESL) through flexible evening programs and credentialing support. Since launch, 75% of participants have been hired for full-time teaching positions at the district.

District

Led by: Woodstock Community Unit School District

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: The program is open to all participants, including those pursuing a GED or associate degree, and offers evening classes to accommodate work schedules.
• Program alignment with district priorities: The program focuses on ESL and hard-to-fill teaching positions to address the district’s most urgent staffing needs.

Grow Your Own Program

The Grow Your Own program prepares teachers to earn certification, focusing on filling vacancies in high-need schools and subject areas. It prioritizes placing educators in their hometown districts and communities.

High-need areas are identified based on current district-level shortages, which may vary year to year and often include subjects such as special education, STEM, and English as a Second Language. Placement decisions are made in close coordination with local school administrators to ensure alignment with community needs.

The program is funded through state grants in Illinois, with the level of support varying by district and choice (e.g., tuition assistance, childcare stipends). Between 2020 to 2023, the program has grown from 67 to 207 participants.

Nonprofit organization

Led by: Grow Your Own Teachers IL

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: The program is designed to increase educator diversity in schools by prioritizing candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, this program targets high-need positions based on district vacancies.

Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure (I-SEAL)

The Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure (I-SEAL) program is a state-funded program that partners with three Indiana universities to help existing educators earn special education certification through an accelerated pathway matched to their background and goals. University partners work with participants to match them with the program that best fits their experience and certification needs.

State

Led by: Indiana Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: This program is fully funded through state grants, lowering the financial barrier to certification.

Secondary Transition to Teaching Online Licensure Program

The Secondary Transition to Teaching Online Licensure Program is an accelerated, online program that helps career changers with a bachelor’s degree earn their teaching license in as few as 12 months. Participants gain classroom field experience and complete student teaching requirements to earn their license. Students can apply for scholarships and assistantships to support tuition costs.

Higher education institution

Led by: Indiana University

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Participants complete all coursework online, allowing for full participation regardless of work schedule or personal obligations.

Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL)

The Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) offers flexible, job-aligned training for professionals transitioning into education, allowing them to earn their credentials while completing pre-service coursework and embedded field experiences. In the second year, participants begin teaching full-time under a Teacher Intern License, earning a salary and benefits, while continuing licensure requirements.

With hybrid coursework and structured mentorship from both university faculty and district-based mentors, the program accelerates entry into high-need classrooms by building on candidates’ prior professional experience and providing comprehensive support throughout the process.

Higher education institution

Led by: Indiana University

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: This program is designed for the working professional. Participants complete courses synchronously via Zoom once a week and in-person once a month.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants earn a full salary and benefits during the second year of the program.
• Program alignment with district priorities: Participants work with district-based mentors to apply the skills they learn in the classroom.

Grow Our Own Initiative: Support Staff to Teacher pathway

The Grow Our Own Initiative program supports current district staff in earning their teaching certification with 50% tuition coverage and a guaranteed job placement upon completion.

District

Led by: Iowa City Community School District

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Participants receive tuition assistance that reduces certification costs by half.

Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Graduates are guaranteed a teaching position in the district upon completion.

Elementary Education Online Transfer Program

The Elementary Education Online Transfer program is a fully online program that offers a flexible licensure pathway for career changers, with the option to earn both a bachelor’s degree and elementary teaching certification in just two years.

Higher education institution

Led by: University of Northern Iowa

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Participants complete all coursework online synchronously in the evening and asynchronously using a learning platform, allowing for full participation regardless of work schedule.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants earn both a bachelor’s degree and elementary teaching certification in just two years, reducing the time to completion.

Teacher Apprenticeship

The Kansas Public School Teacher Apprenticeship program supports teacher aides, substitutes, and assistants to earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wichita State while continuing to work in a classroom setting. Since the program started in 2017, 1,047 people have graduated from the program. Each year, 20% of new hires in the district are graduates from the apprenticeship program.

District

Led by: Kansas Public Schools

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This program provides monthly professional development at the district level and weekly professional development at the building level to expose participants to district-level practices and expectations.

Michigan Alternative Route to Certification

The Michigan Alternative Route to Certification offers three pathways tailored to participants’ backgrounds and goals, with options to earn a degree along the way. Participants can choose to 1) earn certification while completing a bachelor’s degree, typically beginning in the junior year of college, 2) pursue a master’s degree with integrated certification, or 3) complete certification only, ideal for career changers who already hold a degree.

Higher education institution

Led by: University of Michigan

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Participants can enter the program through multiple pathways based on their education and experience level, increasing the pool of people to participate.

Talent Together

Talent Together, a nonprofit organization, provides support for Michigan residents pursuing a career change and for current paraprofessionals. It funds certification costs and enables participants to earn an income throughout their teacher preparation training. The specific funding source is not publicly available. In 2024, more than 1,000 teachers were in the program, with 19% more teachers of color than the Michigan average in traditional teacher preparation programs.

Nonprofit organization

Led by: Talent Together

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: The program covers tuition and fees and is open to participants from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants can continue to work and earn an income while completing the program.

Special Education Teacher Pipeline Program

The Special Education Teacher Pipeline program is a state-funded grant program that provides existing teachers the opportunity to earn Tier 3 or 4 Special Education Licensure through state-wide partnerships with local school districts and university programs.

State

Led by: Minnesota Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: State grant funding covers all costs to earn certification, eliminating financial barriers.
• Program alignment with district priorities: This program addresses district staffing needs by preparing and credentialing qualified educators to fill special education roles in local schools.

Grow Your Own Program

This state grant-funded Grow Your Own program supports school districts and charter schools in Minnesota to increase the teacher workforce and diversity of educators. The grant helps adults obtain their first professional teaching license through tuition scholarships and stipends that enable community members and district staff to participate in teacher preparation programs.

State

Led by: Minnesota Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Participants receive scholarships and stipends towards tuition to lower the financial barrier to entry.
• Program alignment with district priorities: This program focuses on recruiting and supporting people of color and American Indians who are seeking a teaching license.

Alternative Certification

This district-led alternative certification program provides a pathway for staff members to earn a teaching license while remaining in their current roles. This program is funded by state grant money.

District

Led by: Parkhill School District

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Program participants receive a $5,000 stipend to reduce the financial burden.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants may be hired into full-time teacher roles and receive full-time employee benefits.
• Program alignment with district priorities: The program is led by district HR and matches staff with appropriate certification options based on district needs.

Pathways for Paras

The Pathways for Paras program enables paraprofessionals to earn their K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education teacher certification. Participants can apply for scholarships to help support their tuition costs.

Higher education institution

Led by: Missouri State University

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Participants complete all coursework online, allowing for full participation regardless of work schedule or personal obligations.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: The two-year accelerated timeline allows educators to earn licensure faster and return to the classroom certified in special education.
• Program alignment with district priorities: This program addresses district staffing needs by preparing and credentialing qualified educators to fill special education roles in local schools.

Teacher Apprenticeship

This statewide initiative awards $6 million in grant funding to eight colleges and 19 school districts to create certification pathways for aspiring teachers. These institutions use the funds to build and sustain programs that help paraprofessionals earn their teaching certification. Specific funding details are left up to the discretion of each party and are not included in publicly available materials.

State

Led by: Nebraska Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This initiative facilitates close partnerships between districts and programs to address immediate needs for teacher vacancies. Participants work side-by-side with their supervising teachers directly in the classroom.

Apprenticeship Program

This state-funded program creates a structured pathway for paraprofessionals to earn their teaching certification through school-based apprenticeships, developed in partnership with state universities and local school districts. Individual districts and universities receive state grant funds, but implementation varies by district and is not detailed in publicly available materials.

State

Led by: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: Participants are placed in classrooms within the district and work under the guidance of a mentor teacher to ensure support during their transition.

Educator Apprenticeship

This program is a district-led initiative that collaborates with state-approved educator preparation programs to provide classroom hands-on training and a structured, supported pathway to teacher certification designed to meet local workforce needs.

State

Led by: Ohio Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This program provides hands-on training in district classrooms to embed participants in the culture and learn district-specific practices.

Teacher Apprenticeship

This three-and-a-half-year paid apprenticeship program provides an accessible, workforce-aligned pathway for current paraprofessionals and school staff to become licensed teachers. Participants earn an associate’s degree from Wisconsin Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from Lakeland University, all while gaining hands-on experience and income in school settings.

State

Led by: Wisconsin Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants earn an income while working in district classrooms during the program.