This paper examines a “grow-your-own" teacher preparation program initiative designed to address teacher shortages by supporting paraprofessionals transitioning to certified teachers. Focusing on areas such as program design, partnerships, and identity development, this study highlights how flexible, practice-based pathways can increase access to teacher preparation while strengthening it.
The panel presents a 10-year longitudinal study evaluating teacher preparedness and hiring trends across the Mid-Hudson region. Presenters share how K-12 and higher education institutions leverage regional employer data to adjust curriculum, apply resources, enhance teacher induction programs, and develop innovative partnerships to address localized educator shortages.
This session identifies ways to support development of professional dispositions that enable candidates in teacher education programs to assume leadership roles in their future work as special educators. Research will be shared and participants will discuss ways that teacher preparation programs can intentionally infuse leadership into their special education coursework.
This panel explores how the Central NY Alternative Teacher Certification Program utilizes P-20 partnerships to provide flexible online programing and candidate support to enable access to teacher certification for TAs and substitute teachers. It highlights how P-20 systems are critical to creating these pathways to teacher certification for nontraditional candidates.
