KENOSHA, Wis. (Monday, June 3, 2024) – The Kenosha Unified School District has partnered with Edgewood College to offer employees the opportunity to obtain teacher licensure and to earn a master of arts degree, both of which are designed to help address the teacher shortage in Wisconsin.
“We are optimistic our teaming together with the Kenosha Unified School District will be impactful in addressing a pressing need for highly qualified teachers in every classroom and each school,” said Senior Director of Innovations and Partnerships at Edgewood College Dr. Michael Meissen.
With the Accelerated Teacher Education Partnership at Edgewood College, individuals earn on-the-job training while working toward licensure. Aspiring teachers can be credentialed in as little as 12-24 months as they complete coursework while simultaneously student-teaching under the mentorship of a KUSD teacher.
“This program and its response to the teacher shortage is paving a way for aspiring teachers to answer their calling without having to choose between schooling or career,” said KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss. “That is a critical component for many who are deciding whether or not they can afford to go back to school and this program alleviates that as it offers on-the-job training.”
In addition, this program moves KUSD closer to its moral imperative that all students will have an equal opportunity to prepare for college and/or careers with the support of highly qualified educators in a learning environment that is resource rich, safe, and welcoming.