Teacher shortages won’t fix themselves. Universities can lead with models that connect learning to work and expand real access. On September 16 at 2:30 PM Central (Zoom), join Grow and Scale Your University’s Teacher Apprenticeship Programs to see how institutions are integrating work-based learning with degree completion and tapping funding sources that were previously out of reach.
Why this webinar
This isn’t theory. It’s a focused conversation on what works when universities, employers, and state partners align around registered teacher apprenticeships.
You’ll see how “earn-and-learn” pathways give aspiring educators paid, relevant experience while they progress toward a degree. That combination drives persistence and completion, making the path visible to students who might otherwise opt out.
We’ll also unpack the funding angle. Registered models can unlock new sources to support candidates and scale programs responsibly—the goal is to have more teachers in classrooms, faster, with quality and equity at the core.
What we’ll discuss
- Integrating work-based learning with degrees. How institutions are aligning on-the-job experience with program milestones so candidates can earn, learn, and advance in sync.
- Navigating stakeholder engagement. Practical ways to secure faculty buy-in, formalize employer partnerships, and keep everyone focused on outcomes that matter to learners.
- Real stories from successful institutions. How leaders moved from pilot to scale, kept partners aligned across semesters, and sustained momentum.
- Actionable steps to launch or grow. Clear next moves you can adapt to your context—so you leave with ideas you can use, not just inspiration.
Meet the speakers
Liz Qualman (Colorado Mountain College). Director of Teacher Education across 11 campuses. Founding leader in Colorado’s registered teacher apprenticeship system. Equity-centered pathway design, policy innovation, and millions secured to support aspiring educators.
Victoria Theisen-Homer (Northern Arizona University). Founding Director of the Arizona Teacher Residency. Harvard-trained researcher, former LAUSD Teacher of the Year, and published author on teacher education and relationships.
Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, MBA-Ph.D (Craft Education). The President of Craft Education, a nonprofit division of WGU, is building the ecosystem for work-based pathways. Former teacher, Rhodes Scholar, co-founded an apprenticeship-based university serving 100+ districts.
Kimberly Eckert (Craft Education). Head of Instructional Innovation and Apprenticeship Design. 2018 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year, founder of Educators Rising Louisiana, leader in grow-your-own and inclusive preparation.
Janae Montgomery (St. Charles Parish). Special Education Teacher and advocate for inclusive, student-centered learning—bringing the practitioner lens on what candidates need to thrive.
Why it matters
Disconnected systems keep the workforce stuck. Learners move forward when education and employment data, expectations, and supports come together. That’s the work at Craft: connecting systems to close the gap—so outcomes are measurable, momentum is shared, and opportunity is real.
Join to get:
- A clear picture of how universities are aligning academics and paid practice.
- Playable ideas for engaging faculty and employers around a shared roadmap.
- Concrete steps to launch or scale—with a sharper sense of where new funding can support your goals.
Event details
Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM Central
Platform: Zoom
If you’re ready to build a teacher pipeline that works for learners, institutions, and districts, this session is your next move. Register now.
.png)