COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new program at Capital University aims to address a national teacher shortage.
The online program is a collaboration with the university, Columbus State Community College and Columbus City Schools.
"It's a two-ish year program, obviously depending on what individuals come in with coursework wise, and it gives them a chance to get their license or complete their degree while also maintaining some sort of income in the Columbus City School district," said Nisreen Daoud, assistant professor of education at Capital University.
Participants in the CCTR program have three pathways:
- Post-secondary students with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree take two years of online coursework through Capital University while working in a paid position in the Columbus City Schools district.
- Students with some or no university credits take requisite coursework at Columbus State Community College and then transfer for two years of residency through Capital University, allowing students to work in a paid position in Columbus City Schools during their studies.
- Columbus City Schools students take two years of coursework free of charge at Columbus State through The Columbus Promise before beginning the two-year residency at Capital. Employees can take associate-level coursework at Columbus State or other higher education institutions before the two-year Capital University residency.
"It's not just about getting people into teaching that has been done. But it's about keeping them in there because if you don't, you're just putting a band aid on a gash, right?" said Dr. Bradley Conrad, associate professor of education at Capital University.
The program starts on Aug. 23. To learn more, click here.