Vincennes University establishes Online Teacher Preparation Initiative

Vincennes University is establishing an Online Teacher Preparation Initiative in partnership with K-12 schools that are facing teacher shortages. The initiative will allow for a type of “Grow Your Own” program, helping individuals earn their bachelor degree in education while working in classrooms that are in need of teachers.

According to an article on Vincennes University's website, Dr. Cynthia Ragle, who serves as the Dean of the College of Social Science, Performing Arts and Communication, was quoted as saying of the initiative, "We know how hard our local schools are searching for dedicated teachers, especially in elementary and special education. This program gives people in our own neighborhoods, including classroom aides and aspiring teachers, a clear and manageable path to earn a degree without putting their lives on hold. By bringing dual licensure online, Vincennes University is helping schools invest in the talent already in front of them."

The initiative will streamline the bachelor degree program and certification process through the Dual Licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (Mild Interventions P-12) online program. It is a pathway toward teacher certification for individuals who are already working in classrooms as paraprofessionals, or those who wish to switch careers into education, or those who want to enter into the education career from the start.

Provost Jaci Lederman said, "This initiative comes straight from conversations with our K-12 school partners, who shared the specific challenges they face every day. Vincennes University created this online program in direct response to those needs, tearing down geographic and financial walls. It delivers the academic excellence VU is known for while giving future teachers a flexible, affordable path into local classrooms."

Kevin Frank, who serves as the Washington Community Schools Superintendent, said of the initiative and the benefits it will have for his district, “As a rural school district, what excites me the most about our partnership with Vincennes University is the opportunity to grow our own future educators right here in Washington. We have talented paraprofessionals, other staff members, students, and community members who have the potential to become teachers, but the traditional path to earning a teaching degree isn’t always practical for them. This partnership helps remove some of those barriers and creates a flexible pathway for people who already know our schools and our community. I think the impact can be significant because this program makes becoming a teacher more realistic for people who may already be part of our schools and our community. When someone can continue working, remain connected in Washington, and complete a high-quality teacher preparation program online, that opens doors that may not have been available through a traditional college model. For us, that means the opportunity to develop educators who already understand our students, our families, and our community. Ultimately, that can lead to stronger classrooms, greater continuity, and teachers who are invested in Washington for the long term.” 

The Online Teacher Preparation Initiative will provide immediate relief for those classrooms in need of teachers by placing prepared teachers into open spots in special education and elementary classrooms. As the program is a dual licensure program, it will equip individuals with two needed certifications through one streamlined pathway.

Greg Parsley, who serves as the Vincennes Community School Corporation Superintendent, said, “We appreciate the partnership with Vincennes University. We know we need teachers, and we need high-quality teachers. We’ve had a long relationship with VU. A large number of our teachers come from Vincennes University, so anything that we can partner with the University on, including the Grow-Your-Own initiative is a win for the VCSC.”

One student who is participating in the Online Education program is Ava Williams, who is set to graduate in 2027. Speaking of her experience with the program, she said, “Online classes have made it a lot easier for me to balance school with my everyday life and other responsibilities. I like being able to work on assignments when I have time instead of having to be in class at a certain time every day. If I have a busy day, I can work on my schoolwork later or get ahead when I have more free time. It has also helped me get better at managing my time and making sure I stay on top of deadlines. I really appreciate the flexibility of online classes because it allows me to fit school into my schedule without it taking over everything else. What stands out to me most about the quality of education I am receiving from VU is how much the classes focus on preparing us for the real classroom. I feel like I am learning so much more than just the information I will need to know, I am also learning how to actually teach it and work with different types of students. The assignments and experiences have helped me understand what being a teacher really involves and have given me opportunities to practice skills I will use in my future classroom. The professors are also wonderful at connecting what we are learning to real life situations. They give us examples from their time in the classroom, and I feel like these really help me understand the lesson more.”

For more information about Vincennes University, visit the school’s website.