Your Support System
Your Support System TC Resources > Talent Together Basics Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Heading 2 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Heading 3 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Heading 4 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Heading 5 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Heading 6 Heading 7 Heading 8 Heading 9 Heading 10 Table of Contents
How Talent Together Works with Districts to Place Teachers in Classrooms
How Talent Together Works With Districts to Place Teachers in Classrooms Grow Your Own In 2022, seven Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) joined together to create a collective response to Michigan’s teacher shortage. ISD leaders partnered with Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative to create Talent Together. Today, Talent Together is a consortium of all 56 Michigan ISDs and supports over 1,200 active Teacher Candidates across 400 districts, with a new cohort joining this spring. In just a few short years, Talent Together has grown into the Midwest’s largest Grow Your Own program. Talent Together Management Team Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives identify talented individuals who could be excellent teachers and are already working in or connected to a specific community. Individuals, such as paraprofessionals, support staff, long-term substitutes, or residents interested in teaching, are then supported through coursework and coaching, preparing them to earn certification and teach in their local schools. Research from Michigan State University’s Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (Grow Your Own Primer), GYO programs strengthen local teacher workforces when districts recruit from their communities, and preparation programs align coursework, clinical experiences, and support so candidates succeed (3–4). Talent Together builds on this model, focusing on the needs of districts, teachers, and students. “As a small, rural district, Talent Together has helped provide education and support to local residents who are interested in supporting and working for their community school district. This has helped us hire and retain residents who are involved and engaged not only in the school but in the community.” Jennifer Ellis, Superintendent at Morenci Area Schools Journey of a Talent Together Teacher Candidate Once accepted, a Teacher Candidate enrolls in a post-secondary institution and is supported by a dedicated Talent Together Success Navigator. Teacher Candidates begin by completing required coursework while continuing to work, building the knowledge and skills needed to enter the classroom. In their final year of coursework, most Teacher Candidates complete a Department of Labor–approved Registered Apprenticeship Program, which replaces traditional student teaching. During the apprenticeship year, Teacher Candidares work in a classroom alongside a Mentor Teacher, gaining hands-on experience while learning and observing. Talent Together Educator Development Specialists provide coaching and support to strengthen instruction and the mentor–mentee relationship. After completing the program and earning their certification, Teacher Candidates commit to teaching in a Michigan school for five years for an initial certification or three years for an add-on endorsement. The Registered Apprenticeship: Creating Staff Retention and Greater Student Supports During the Registered Apprenticeship Program, Teacher Candidates spend a full school year in a classroom with a Mentor Teacher while earning 80% of a first-year teacher’s salary. This model provides apprentices with hands-on teaching experiences, including working with small groups, leading lessons, and offering one-on-one attention to students, while providing districts with immediate classroom support. Mentor Teachers gain leadership and coaching development experiences while preparing the Apprentice for a classroom of their own, and reducing burnout when they step into their full-time position. “Hosting Talent Together Teacher Candidates has been a tremendous asset to our daily operations. The program offers our veteran teachers invaluable mentoring experiences, strengthening their own instructional leadership. The presence of these future educators means our classrooms have additional caring, dedicated future teachers providing support to our students every day.” Allison Jordan, Superintendent at Merrill Community Schools Success Stories To date, Talent Together has supported over 300 Apprentice Teacher Candidates, each one gaining invaluable experience and strengthening their community. Here’s a closer look at the journeys of a few of these future educators: Nine-year school support staff to future certified teacher Portage Public Schools is home to six Talent Together Teacher Candidates and three program alumni. Among those is Agatha Cottrell, who has worked at Portage Public Schools for the past nine years. She initially joined the Special Education team and later moved into a reading/math paraprofessional role. Agatha wanted to teach more but felt limited without the necessary schooling and certifications. “I thought this was too good to be true, not having to leave my current job or pay for school. To have a classroom of my own within the district I love! It’s been amazing to complete my apprentice year within the same building where I have worked for so long.” Agatha’s apprentice year has given her hands-on experience and confirmed she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. “My apprentice journey has solidified my desire to teach. Being in one room from the first day is something I can’t really explain. Knowing that my mentor is modeling exactly what I will do next year, and beyond, is knowledge not everyone has.” Chad Mason at West Bloomfield School District Chad Mason is currently completing his apprenticeship year in a High School Emotional Impairment (EI) Special Education classroom in West Bloomfield School District. Chad is thriving in a highly specialized setting, bringing warmth, consistency, and strong relationship-building to a classroom that requires clear structure and emotional support. During a recent visit, Southeast Region Educator Development Specialist Alisha Goins was struck by the positive classroom culture he and his mentor, Terry Battle, have created. In the first 10 minutes of instruction, he maintained a 9:0 ratio of positive to corrective interactions, and students responded promptly to directions. He provided 14 opportunities for students to respond, and there were no disruptions, contributing to strong engagement. The classroom felt calm, structured, and student-centered, reflecting his growing skill and dedication. LaVita Thopson at Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences LaVita Thopson is completing her apprenticeship at Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS). She discovered her passion for teaching while working as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional, and now, as she pursues her Special Education certification, she is seeing that passion become a reality. “The support from Talent Together and DAAS has been amazing. They are truly here for us, and everyone is making sure I am understanding and progressing as an educator. I am excited about all that has been and is to come.” LaVita is one of
Mid-Michigan Matters: Placing more teachers in classrooms
Mid-Michigan Matters: Placing more teachers in classrooms By Taylor Gattoni, WILX 10 LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A local organization is aiming to address Michigan’s educator shortage by placing over 200 teachers in classrooms. Dr. Sarena Shivers with Talent Together joins Mid-Michigan Matters to discuss the shortage and how Talent Together is helping schools connect with teachers. https://youtu.be/tgi4eRwpnmM?si=peY2cyKb-agWt-rk
Not Just a Pipeline- A Lifeline
Across Michigan, the need for certified special education teachers remains critical — but dedicated educators like Heather Gauck are helping lead the change. As a Mentor Teacher with Talent Together, Heather shares how the Registered Apprenticeship model is transforming lives, classrooms, and communities by preparing passionate educators where they’re needed most.
Stronger Together: Celebrating the Partners Powering Talent Together’s Mission
Stronger Together: Celebrating the Partners Powering Talent Together’s Mission Working Together to Build Michigan’s Educator Pipeline At Talent Together, our mission to address Michigan’s educator shortage is powered by an incredible network of partners who share our vision. Together, we’re supporting more than 1,200 aspiring educators across 400 school districts with debt-free pathways to teaching — because we believe every community deserves high-quality educators, and every future teacher deserves an opportunity to succeed. These partnerships make it possible to remove barriers, expand access to teacher preparation, and invest in the next generation of Michigan educators. Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI) The Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative has been a cornerstone partner since our launch, providing strategic direction, technical assistance, and design expertise to ensure long-term sustainability. Through MEWI’s guidance, we’ve been able to offer 100% tuition-free education, a paid year-long apprenticeship, fully online degree access statewide, and sustainable career advancement pathways. The impact is clear: 96% of our candidates say we’re effectively removing the top barriers to teacher certification. Jack Elsey Founder | MEWI “The more we can make sure that starting a career in education is a financially viable career — from the moment training begins — the more likely we are to convince the workforce of the future to consider becoming a teacher.” — Jack Elsey, Founder of the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative School District Partners: Growing Talent from Within Our school district partners are at the center of our work. They identify passionate individuals already serving in their schools — from paraprofessionals to long-term substitutes — and help them take the next step toward teacher certification. Superintendent William Heath of Portland Public Schools, which currently has nine (9) Talent Together Teacher Candidates, shares this commitment: “The Talent Together program has created a vital pipeline of passionate, local talent during a time when recruitment is increasingly challenging, particularly in specialized and hard-to-fill roles. By supporting individuals already connected to our district and community in becoming certified educators, we’ve been able to fill vacancies with candidates who not only understand our students’ needs and the culture of our schools but are also deeply committed to staying long term. It’s been a proactive and sustainable solution to persistent staffing shortages.” William Heath Superintendent | Portland Public Schools This partnership model ensures that schools are staffed with educators who know their communities — and are committed to staying. Higher Education Partners: Pathways to Certification Through our partnerships with accredited universities and colleges, we connect aspiring educators with high-quality, affordable certification programs. These institutions share our commitment to equity and flexibility, offering online coursework that allows candidates to keep working in their school communities while earning their credentials. Strong Partners for our Registered Apprenticeship Program The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity advises & coordinates registration of Talent Together’s Registered Apprenticeship Program with the United States Department of Labor. We ensure that candidates can earn a wage while completing their teacher preparation. Our 300 Apprentice Teachers spend a full year of paid classroom experience in the grade level and subject area of their certification. This real-world preparation has proven its value with a 95% program completion rate. Our work in this space has earned recognition, including two Race to Talent Apprenticeship Champion Awards from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium and Macomb/St. Clair. Michigan Works! also helps braid state and federal workforce funding with Talent Together resources, expanding opportunities for more candidates. Why These Partnerships Matter Every partner plays a critical role in addressing Michigan’s educator shortage. Whether it’s providing strategic vision, opening doors in local districts, delivering high-quality coursework, or creating paid apprenticeship opportunities, these collaborations are shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for Michigan schools.
Craft Case Study
Craft Case Study; The Gold Standard of Teacher Training By Scott Smith, Craft Talent Together’s A state-wide apprenticeship program is breaking barriers and building a stronger Teacher pipeline, with support from Craft. Introduction Across Michigan, disconnected workforce education systems were keeping talented people out of teaching. Talent Together, a consortium of all 56 Intermediate School Districts, created registered teacher apprenticeships that remove financial barriers keeping promising educators out of the profession. This case study explores how Talent Together connects systems to close the gap with Craft Connect as the data backbone, enabling scale and success. Reimagining the Pathway to Teaching “It’s not enough just to bring new teachers into the classroom if they are underprepared, unsupported, and don’t stay in the profession,” said Gina Zuberbier, Program Manager at Talent Together. The program places aspiring teachers in full-time, paid classroom roles for an entire school year, supported by mentor teachers and backed by formal USDOL standards. This connects state funding, district partnerships, and university training into one seamless system. Breaking Down Financial Barriers Traditional teacher preparation requires unpaid student teaching while paying tuition—impossible for most working adults. “You’d typically have to quit your job, go to zero income, and pay a university to student teach,” said Bradley Kingston, Director of Data & Analytics. “No one making $30,000 a year can do that. Through our program, teacher candidates get their tuition covered and continue receiving a salary.” One apprentice on remote Beaver Island completed university coursework virtually while apprenticing locally. Her apprenticeship salary exceeded her previous paraprofessional wage. Why Apprenticeships Are the Gold Standard of Teacher Training Traditional student teaching offers 9 to 18 weeks of experience. Talent Together’s model stretches a full academic year. “You live through the full cycle—the challenges, the celebrations, the parent interactions,” said Zuberbier. “The only way to get that experience is to live it.” Why Apprenticeships Are the Gold Standard of Teacher Training Traditional student teaching offers 9 to 18 weeks of experience. Talent Together’s model stretches a full academic year. “You live through the full cycle—the challenges, the celebrations, the parent interactions,” said Zuberbier. “The only way to get that experience is to live it.” What It Takes To Run a Program This Scale With over 140 apprentices in two years, Talent Together manages complex logistics, compliance, and documentation. Each apprentice represents approximately 10 hours of administrative work. “When you multiply that by 90 to 100 people, you’re talking 900 to 1,000 hours a year just in documentation,” said Kingston. Craft Connect eliminates this burden through automated registration and real-time compliance tracking. Craft Connect: Infrastructure That Scales With You Craft Connect makes tracking progress simple during the school year. It’s where all standards are documented, mentor approvals live, and DOL-compliant registration happens. “Craft is the only place we document standards progress. Their platform gives us the credibility we need with the DOL and the districts,” said Zuberbier. “A spreadsheet can’t do that.” Craft Connect: Infrastructure That Scales With You Craft Connect makes tracking progress simple during the school year. It’s where all standards are documented, mentor approvals live, and DOL-compliant registration happens. “Craft is the only place we document standards progress. Their platform gives us the credibility we need with the DOL and the districts,” said Zuberbier. “A spreadsheet can’t do that.” The Funding Challenge in Teaching Apprenticeships Funding is the most significant hurdle new programs face. Michigan allocated $78M to support Talent Together through the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI). Craft configured its platform to meet RAP standards, including Work Process Schedules and Related Instruction Outlines. The result? A passed USDOL audit and a pathway to impact thousands of students. Looking Ahead: Scale with Integrity Early indicators are strong: 54 of 55 apprentices completed their standards, with 65% becoming teachers, significantly improving upon the USDOL average of 35%. They aim to reach 225 new certified teachers by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. “Everyone knows a kid who goes to public school,” said Zuberbier. “A stronger, more diverse teacher workforce benefits everyone.” Conclusion Talent Together proves it’s possible to make teacher preparation more rigorous, effective, and accessible. Their apprenticeship model is a blueprint for connecting workforce education systems nationwide. Talent Together & Craft Education show what’s possible when mission meets method at scale. Read the Original Craft Case Study Here
Morning Mix Class Act Winner: Dana Omness
Morning Mix Class Act Winner: Dana Omness By Nicole Stoner, FOX 17 West Michigan The Fox 17 Morning Mix’s Class Act promotion is a yearlong partnership with Biggby Coffee with the aim of putting the focus on our amazing local teachers. June’s winner is Dana Omness, a Science teacher at Wayland Union Middle School. Dana enjoys teaching because of the new opportunities each day brings. She credits her almost 30-year career at Wayland Union to her own students: she learns from them just as much as they learn from her. Dana also enjoys teaching science because of the subject’s material and how it can invoke curiosity and creativity in students. Dana was nominated by her sister, Tracy Daniel. Tracy says, “Dana has positively impacted her Wayland community in countless ways: as a conference presenter, science board representative, grant writer and recipient, volleyball coach, tennis coach, student award recipient, talent together college prep mentor teacher and a science enthusiast inspiring 1000s of Wayland middle schoolers with her passion and love of science!” In addition, Dana has been awarded a $500 check to use in her classroom from the Morning Mix and Biggby Coffee! Watch this month’s video and nominate a teacher you know! Congratulations, Dana! Thank you for being a Class Act! Read Original Article Here
Vision to Reality: Stories from the Next Generation of Michigan Educators
Vision to Reality: Stories from the Next Generation of Michigan Educators Real Stories. Real Impact. When we talk about the future of education in Michigan, we’re not just talking about policies or programs—we’re talking about people. People like Donille, Lisbeth, and Kenneth are showing us what’s possible when passion meets action and when opportunity is matched with support. At Talent Together, we have the privilege of walking alongside more than 1,200 teacher candidates—each bringing their unique story, strength, and spark to the profession. Through our collaborative effort with 19 post- secondary partners and 412 school districts and intermediate school district partners across the state, we’re not just helping people become teachers. We’re helping them become the kind of educators Michigan students deserve. Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher: Donille’s Journey Donille Cabanaw Dexter Community School District Donille Cabanaw began her journey as a paraeducator in Dexter Community Schools in Washtenaw Intermediate School District and quickly realized she wanted to be a lead teacher in her own classroom. Inspired by her daughter’s first day of kindergarten, Donille knew she wanted to make a difference in students’ lives. Like many aspiring educators, Donille faced real-world obstacles: raising children, balancing work and school, and managing the high cost of childcare and tuition. When she found Talent Together, things changed. The program offered her more than just funding—it offered community, structure, and mentorship. Donille recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lake Superior State University with her Bachelor of Science Elementary Education degree. She was named Most Outstanding Graduate by the College of Education. Reflecting on her experience, she said: “I am more than prepared to enter the classroom and continue to learn and grow into a great educator. Being an apprentice teacher for an entire school year has given me a unique insight into how a classroom works from the beginning to the end. I know that when I enter the classroom on my own, I will truly understand how it will run throughout the year to be the most effective teacher possible.” You can read more about Donille’s story here. Mackinac Island Teacher of the Year Lisbeth McGregor brings over two decades of experience in education to her new role as a certified preschool and kindergarten teacher at Mackinac Island School District in Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District. Her story is a journey of service that led to a new chapter in her career through Talent Together. This year, Lisbeth was named Teacher of the Year by her peers—a recognition she describes as both deeply meaningful and a testament of her commitment to her students. Lisbeth is especially passionate about encouraging future educators to advocate for themselves. When asked what advice she’d give to a current teacher candidate, she shared: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re never alone. Your professors, Talent Together staff, and your school community want to see you succeed. Don’t let silence be the thing that holds you back.” This year has brought many “firsts” for Lisbeth. While she felt prepared for most of them, one unexpected challenge reminded her of the continued value of support. “I reached out to Amy Peterson, Talent Together’s Regional Director for Northern Michigan, and she helped me navigate the situation. Even after graduation, that support didn’t go away—it made all the difference.” Read Lisbeth’s full story here. Lisbeth McGregor Mackinac Island School District A New Chapter: Kenneth’s Journey from Law Enforcement to the Classroom Kenneth Taylor’s path to education is anything but typical. With a degree in Theatre & Entertainment Arts from Northern Michigan University, his career took him through law enforcement, funeral services, and over a decade as a school resource officer with the Hannahville Indian Community. While he always enjoyed working with students, it was reintroducing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program that kindled his desire to teach. He realized he wanted to be in the classroom daily—building relationships and watching students grow. Kenneth Taylor Bark River-Harris Community Schools Kenneth is finishing the last few weeks of his apprenticeship at Bark River-Harris Community School District in Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District. Kenneth will finish his studies through the #T.E.A.C.H program and is set to graduate this August and lead a classroom of his own this fall. Kenneth advises future teacher candidates: “This journey isn’t easy—but nothing truly worthwhile ever is. It’s going to challenge you, but it’s also going to change you in the best ways. Don’t give up. And if along the way you realize it’s not for you, that’s okay, too—because at the end of the day, it’s about being the best we can be for the kids.” You can read more about Kenneth’s story here. This Is What Progress Looks Like The stories of Donille, Lisbeth, and Kenneth are just a few examples of what’s possible when aspiring educators are given real support. Behind every classroom lightbulb moment, every engaged student, and every confident new teacher, there’s a web of effort, encouragement, and care. As Talent Together continues to grow, we remain grounded in our mission: to reduce barriers, uplift communities, and transform the path to teaching in Michigan. And to the educators walking this road—whether you’re just starting out or guiding others along the way—we see you. We believe in you. And we’re so glad to be in this together.
Meet a TC: Rebecca Urban
Rebecca Urban, Talent together Alum turned Mentor Teacher for our Registered Apprenticeship Program
Meet a TC: Joylan Furtado
Jessie Piippo is a dedicated and passionate future special education teacher with a background in healthcare. She is pursuing her dream of helping students realize their potential and succeed in the workforce. Through Talent Together, Jessie has overcome financial challenges and is now an instructor in the Project SEARCH program, where she works closely with student interns to teach job-specific and soft skills.