Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) has taken a significant step towards addressing the state’s teacher shortage by approving two innovative undergraduate programs in collaboration with Lake Erie College and BloomBoard. These programs, designed to streamline and enhance teacher preparation in Kentucky, offer a sustainable solution to the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified educators in the K–12 system.
The newly approved programs include residency-like bachelor’s degree pathways for Lake Erie College’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Arts in Mild to Moderate Intervention Specialist. These innovative programs allow aspiring teachers to earn their bachelor’s degrees while working within district classrooms, receiving a salary in the process. By eliminating the need for night or weekend classes, this model removes traditional barriers of time and cost associated with pursuing a degree, making it more accessible to individuals seeking a career in education.
Sanford Kenyon, CEO of BloomBoard, expressed optimism about the impact of these new programs on Kentucky school districts facing teacher shortages. He emphasized that the on-the-job model offers unparalleled access and affordability, positioning participating districts as employers of choice within their regions. By investing in cohorts of aspiring teachers who work as paraprofessionals within the district, schools can cultivate a pipeline of talent from their own communities, providing opportunities for residents who may not have access to traditional teacher preparation pathways.
Dustin Howard, Superintendent of Clark County Public Schools, praised the practicality and effectiveness of the on-the-job teacher preparation programs, highlighting the benefits for both school districts and program participants. By enabling aspiring teachers to earn degree credit and a salary while gaining hands-on experience in real classrooms, these programs offer a mutually beneficial solution to the teacher shortage crisis in Kentucky.
The approval of these undergraduate programs builds on the success of BloomBoard’s Kentucky Teacher Rank Change and Advancement initiatives, such as the RankUp KY! program in partnership with the Western Kentucky Educational Cooperative (WKEC). Through on-the-job courses integrated into classroom practice, Kentucky teachers have been able to earn a Rank II or Rank I, with over 1,200 educators enrolling in on-the-job rank change programs in the past four years.
Gretchen Wetzel, Executive Director of the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative, highlighted the effectiveness of on-the-job training as a top-notch instructional model, noting the potential for the new bachelor’s degree program to expand on this strong delivery system. By allowing aspiring educators to earn credit through real classroom experiences and immediate application of new learning, the program offers district leaders a valuable tool for advancing the professional development of their teaching staff.
Kentucky school districts interested in supporting cohorts of aspiring teachers through these innovative programs are encouraged to contact BloomBoard’s Kentucky Director of District Partnerships, Carter Myers, for more information on how to participate and benefit from the on-the-job model of teacher preparation.
About BloomBoard:
BloomBoard is a talent development provider that supports K–12 school districts in advancing and retaining educators through professional education initiatives. By offering turnkey programs that facilitate career progression for educators, BloomBoard connects districts with higher education institutions to provide certification and degree programs using an on-the-job instructional model. Visit www.bloomboard.com to learn more about their innovative approach to teacher development.
In conclusion, the approval of these innovative undergraduate programs marks a significant milestone in Kentucky’s efforts to address the teacher shortage and improve teacher preparation in the state. By offering accessible, high-quality pathways for aspiring educators to earn their degrees while gaining practical experience in real classrooms, these programs hold the promise of transforming the education landscape in Kentucky and ensuring a steady supply of qualified teachers for years to come.
