Edgewood College is launching an online program to help employees at state school districts earn their master’s degree and state teaching license, according to The Capital Times. The move is intended to help address Wisconsin’s teacher shortage.
District employees would be able to earn credits for around half the cost through the accelerated teacher residency program as they work toward full licensure. Upwards of 20 public and private school districts have signed on to the partnership, including 15 in Dane County.
The Edgewood program is aimed at those who are already working in schools but not fully certified to teach, such as those with emergency licenses. Paths of study include elementary education, secondary education, and special education.
Participants can complete their online courses within one to two years with a flexible format that allows them to learn at their own pace according to their schedule. They will also receive mentorship from district employees throughout their student teaching.
The participating districts include the Diocese of Madison Catholic Schools, McFarland School District, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, Monona Grove School District, Sun Prairie Area School District, Verona Area School District, and Waunakee Community School District, among others.
Tuition for the Edgewood program, launched Monday, is around $9,750. The goal is to enroll around 40 students.
