Reimbursements

Supply Reimbursements Becoming a teacher shouldn’t come with financial roadblocks. In addition to your tuition, Talent Together reimburses for required textbooks and supplies—so you can focus on learning, not paying.  Approved Reimbursements Teacher Candidates are eligible for up to $750 yearly in supply reimbursement. Candidates must be enrolled and actively participating in a partner Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) and with Talent Together. The supply reimbursement is designed to last for twelve months and follows the academic calendar. Funds will reset on August 1 of each year.  Approved Supplies Course-required texts (including e-books and textbook rentals) Approved MTTC Study Materials (Mometrics) Computer or iPad (Limit one per Teacher Candidate, either a computer or an iPad) Microsoft Office (student discounts available) Headphones (Limit one per TC, up to $200) Graduation supplies (caps and gowns) Laptop Protective Case Not Approved Supplies Grammarly or similar subscription services Laptop bags/purses Transcript costs Desks  Fingerprinting Background checks Loans or holds on account prior to Talent Together  Any MDE Permits, including substitute or initial certification Process to Submit a Reimbursement Complete the reimbursement request in Droplet.   You will be prompted to attach your receipts, W9, and ACH form.  W9 Form ACH Letter Talent Together Individual.pdf You will get emails as your reimbursement request moves forward, including: If changes or corrections are needed When Accounts Payable receives your request When it is sent to the Director for approval When the form is fully completed by everyone involved Once you have submitted all your documentation, it can take up to 60 days to process and get the funds to you. If a check is mailed, it can take an additional 10 days for it to arrive in the mail. Important Notes Keep your receipts for all textbooks and supplies you purchase for coursework. This includes devices like laptops and tablets.  You can submit receipts up to 90 days old, except if you’ve graduated from your program. Graduates must submit reimbursements must be submitted within 30 days of graduation The $750 annual stipend resets on August 1 each year.  If you received more than $600 in supply reimbursements in a calendar year, you will receive a 1099 (IRS Tax Form). 1099s are mailed yearly by January 31st.  Teacher Candidates should keep track of their supply purchases during the school year so they know how much funding is left. Be sure to download each submission to keep a record of when it was submitted. If desired, use this Google Sheet to keep track of your purchases:  TC Supply Ledger If it has been more than 45 days since you submitted your receiptsand you have not received an update, or if you have any additional questions, please contact our Finance Team:   Relevant Resources Teacher Candidate Supply Reimbursement Guidelines Reimbursement Form W9 Form ACH Letter Talent Together Individual.pdf Teacher Candidate Ledger Direct Textbook Purchase from PSI Bookstore Currently, the post-secondary institutions listed below allow Teacher Candidates (TCs) to purchase textbooks and supplies directly from the bookstore. Then, the post-secondary institution sends invoices directly to Talent Together, which is paid alongside the Teacher Candidates’ tuition bill (usually towards the end of the semester).  These charges are taken out of the Teacher Candidate’s annual allowance of up to $750 (August 1st – July 31st). Central Michigan University Charge Limit: $750 up to the annual allotted allowance  The CMU Bookstore 989-774-7493 Davenport University Charge Limit: $375 a semester, up to the $750 allotted allowance Students use their book voucher (which should be loaded to their student account) to purchase textbooks Panther Bookshelf Students purchase course materials at Panther Instructions Campus Store You can ask them questions related to course materials and access 616-554-4767 Ferris State University Charge Limit: $250 a semester, up to the $750 allotted allowance Additional funding may be available; please contact Student Financial Services for details. Ferris State University Online Bookstore 855-955-0398 Northern Michigan University Charge Limit: $600 a semester, up to the $750 allotted allowance NMU Bookstore Paul Wright – Store Manager 906-227-1166   FAQs Does Talent Together reimburse for both a laptop and a tablet? No, one device (computer or tablet) per Teacher Candidate is approved for the duration of their time in the program. You can choose either a tablet or a laptop, but not both.  Does Talent Together reimburse for note-taking devices like “Remarkable”? Yes, however, this counts as the 1 computer/device. Does Talent Together reimburse for professional clothing? While Talent Together does not reimburse Teacher Candidates for professional clothing, we encourage TCs to visit https://michigan.dressforsuccess.org/. Some post-secondary institutions also have a closet with professional clothes where students can go and pick things out. Can I purchase goods secondhand from sources like eBay? Yes, as long as there is a valid receipt within 90 days.  Does Talent Together reimburse for warranties on a device? No. Are background checks reimbursable if they are required for a class? No, background checks are not reimbursable, even if they are a class requirement. Talent Together can only reimburse for books and other academic supplies. Can I buy supplies for my classroom? No, only supplies needed for your post-secondary studies are eligible. Which MTTC Practice tests are reimbursable? Until March 31, 2025, any MTTC practice tests can be reimbursed. Starting April 1, 2025, Talent Together will only reimburse Pearson’s MTTC practice test or materials from Mometrix. This update ensures that everyone has access to high-quality student materials. Table of Contents

Tuition FAQs

Tuition, FAFSA, and FERPA Have questions about PSI tuition, financial aid, or required forms? We have answered the most common questions below. In order for Talent Together to pay your tuition, you may be asked to complete FERPA and FAFSA forms. We know these forms can feel confusing or intimidating, especially if you have never completed them before. If you need additional support, please contact your Success Navigator. Tuition FAQs What costs does Talent Together cover? Talent Together covers full tuition and fees for all of our Teacher Candidates. Talent Together pays tuition directly to the university once we are billed. We also provide a $750 annual budget for books and supplies for each Teacher Candidate. What should I do if I receive a bill? Talent Together works directly with all of our partner universities to pay Teacher Candidate tuition on their billing cycle. Most universities have auto reminders for account balances that cannot be shut off, so receiving a tuition reminder is not generally a cause for concern. Do I qualify for scholarships or a Pell grant while receiving Talent Together support? Yes! We encourage Teacher Candidates to pursue all kinds of tuition supports. Talent Together funds are “last dollar in”, which means that all other forms of aid are applied to the Teacher Candidate’s account prior to the Talent Together payment. Can I take out student loans while I am in Talent Together? Technically, Teacher Candidates can take out student loans if they qualify. However, we strongly discourage participants from taking out loans, because the purpose of our funding tuition, fees, and supplies while enabling participants to work full time is to for Teacher Candidates to begin their new career without the stress of the debt accumulated while in their teaching program! FERPA Form FERPA forms are your way to give permission to your post-secondary institution to share information with us. This is required so that we can pay tuition bills and confirm that you are in good academic standing. What contact information for Talent Together should I put on the FERPA Form? For name: Any Talent Together Representatives For relationship: Grant Provider Address: 321 E. Ohio Street, Marquette, MI 49855. The time frame indicated should be until the program is completed. What information am I required to release to Talent Together? You should share information for all purposes, including: Grades/GPA, academic status, or any other academic information and/or enrollment information Billing statements, charges, credits, payments, past due amounts, and/or collection activity Financial aid awards, application data, disbursements, and/or eligibility. I have not been able to submit my FERPA form yet because I haven’t been accepted to my post-secondary institution. Will I be withdrawn from Talent Together? No, you will not be withdrawn from Talent Together! We understand the timing of your acceptance to your post-secondary program is beyond your control. We will work with you to submit your FERPA form after you receive your acceptance letter from your post-secondary program. FAFSA Form The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a required form for undergraduate students to determine their eligibility for financial aid. This helps Talent Together maximize our state funding. Is the FAFSA Form Required? FAFSA forms are required for all undergraduate programs so that Talent Together can take advantage of federal grants and maximize our state funding.  Do I need to submit a FAFSA form if I am completing a graduate level program? No, FAFSA forms are not required for master’s students. If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, you do not need to submit a FAFSA. Can I use aid from the FAFSA to cover living expenses while I’m in school? Pell Grants awarded to teacher candidates first go towards covering the cost of tuition. If a Teacher Candidate needs the funds for living expenses, they may ask for an exception. Should I accept the TEACH grant from the Federal Student Aid office? TCs should be aware of the implications of the TEACH grant. The grant contains some very strict stipulations that TCs would have to follow in order to make sure that the funding remains a grant and does not convert into a loan. TCs should review the requirements of the grant, found here, and consult with a financial aid professional before accepting it. Will I be asked to take out a loan? No, Talent Together teacher candidates will never be asked to pay tuition or take out a loan. If you receive a bill from your post-secondary institution, please reach out to your Success Navigator. Table of Contents

Policies

Policies As a Teacher Candidate with Talent Together, you agree to certain expectations outlined in the Commitment Agreement and Teacher Candidate Policies.  Frequently Asked Questions Professionalism What Ethical Standards Am I expected to Follow? All Teacher Candidates must follow the Michigan Code of Educational Ethics. What does “professional behavior” mean in practice?​ Professional behavior refers to the attitudes, values, actions, and observable behaviors that demonstrate your readiness to enter the education profession and represent Talent Together, partner school districts/ISDs, and your preparation program with integrity and respect. Being a professional educator means you consistently: Put students first by holding high expectations for all learners and using inclusive, evidence-based practices that support student growth. Show up prepared and reliable by being punctual, organized, and ready to engage fully in your responsibilities. Communicate respectfully and clearly with students, families, colleagues, and supervisors, using professional language and active listening. Act ethically and responsibly, following school, district, and university policies and maintaining appropriate boundaries, including online and on social media. Collaborate productively with colleagues and contribute positively to team and school communities. Seek and use feedback to reflect on your practice, take responsibility for your decisions, and continuously improve. Demonstrate cultural competence by respecting diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences and ensuring your actions and language are free from bias. Sources:  Purdue University: Professional Dispositions in Education Rutgers: Professional Dispositions   What are my communication responsibilities?​ Teacher Candidates are expected to: Respond to Talent Together staff within 72 hours Submit required documents by stated deadlines Keep contact information up to date You must notify your Success Navigator within one week of: Changes in school employment or role Tuition bills or communication that could affect program completion Any disciplinary action or legal matters, including investigations, misdemeanors, or felonies Employment Am I required to be employed by a school district while participating in Talent Together? Yes. Teacher Candidates must be employed by a Talent Together participating public school district, public charter school, or Intermediate School District (ISD) during the training experience and throughout the required teaching commitment period. If you are not already employed when you enter the program, you must secure qualifying employment no later than six months before the start of the Registered Apprenticeship Program (if applicable). What happens if I change school districts during the program?​ If you change districts, Talent Together may request a reference from your previous employer to help assess performance and ensure alignment with program expectations. District changes must continue to meet all Talent Together employment requirements. Can I work at a private school and remain in compliance with the program? No. Accepting a Teacher of Record or teaching position at a private school does not meet Talent Together’s employment requirements and places you out of compliance with the program. What does “good standing” as an employee mean? “Good standing” is defined by the terms of your employment agreement with your district, charter school, or ISD. You are expected to meet your employer’s expectations related to performance, attendance, professionalism, and conduct. Does participation in Talent Together guarantee a teaching job? No. Participation does not guarantee employment. Talent Together will prepare and support you in pursuing a teaching role, but you must successfully meet all requirements of the positions you apply for and complete the district hiring and selection process. Your Teaching Commitment How long am I required to teach after completing Talent Together? Your commitment depends on your program: Initial Certification: Teach for 5 years in your certification area at a Talent Together partner school or ISD Add-On Endorsement: Teach for 3 years at a partner school or ISD after program completion What happens if I don’t complete my teaching commitment? If you leave before completing your commitment, you may be required to reimburse Talent Together for tuition and fees on a prorated basis. Each year that you teach, you receive a 20% credit towards your 5-year commitment. For example, leaving after 3 years of a 5-year commitment requires repayment of 40% of tuition and fees. Exceptions may be approved for extenuating circumstances at Talent Together’s discretion. When does my teaching commitment start after completing Talent Together? Your teaching commitment begins after you receive your Michigan Teacher Certification and complete the required offboarding steps with Talent Together. Do I have to teach in a Talent Together partner district? Teacher Candidates may teach in any Michigan public school, including charter schools, as long as the district or ISD is a Talent Together partner and the role aligns with the certification area funded by the program. Do I have to teach in the certification area I was approved for? Yes. You are expected to teach only in the certification area funded by Talent Together. Your employment, apprenticeship (if applicable), and teaching commitment must directly align with that certification. Pacing & Program Completion Can I attend school part-time? Yes, according to the Teacher Candidate Policies, Teacher Candidates must maintain at least part-time enrollment at their post-secondary institution. Use this chart to confirm the minimum credit requirements for your post-secondary institution. Can I defer or pause taking classes? Yes, in the event that a Teacher Candidate needs to defer their post-secondary institution program, the deferment may be approved for up to one (1) consecutive year, and a Candidate may be granted only one deferment during the program. Additional deferrals or extensions will be reviewed by Senior leadership on a case-by-case basis. What if I experience challenges throughout the program? This is common! Enrolling in higher education as an adult, working full-time, and even supporting a family can be a lot. Things happen, and our team is here to support you! To get the best support, we encourage you to communicate with us as early as you can. Contact your Success Navigator or Educator Development Specialist immediately as challenges arise. What happens if I withdraw from Talent Together? If a Teacher Candidate withdraws from the Talent Together program after beginning coursework with a partner post-secondary institution, they are no longer eligible to reapply to the

Your Support System

Your Support System You’re not in this alone. This page shows you who’s on your support team, what they do, and who to contact at each step of your certification journey. TT Regional Support At Talent Together, our work is organized across four regions—Northern Michigan, Mid Michigan/Thumb, West/Southwest Michigan, and Southeast Michigan. Teacher Candidates are primarily supported within their assigned region, with Success Navigators serving as your first point of contact. This regional structure allows us to remain responsive and tailored in our approach, ensuring we effectively meet the distinct needs of schools and Teacher Candidates across Michigan’s diverse communities and contexts. Looking at the image below, which region are you located in? You can also check your county to see which region you belong to. Your Support Team No matter where you are in your certification journey, we are ready to support you. The chart below shows all of the different support teams you’ll encounter during your time with us.  Who Do You Contact With so many teams ready to support you, it’s important to know who to contact for what. Start by thinking about the focus of your question. Success Navigators Success Navigators are your first line of support. They promote habits and routines that will lead to successful program completion and remove common barriers so that you can complete your degree and teacher certification programs. You can ask Success Navigators about: Onboarding to Talent Together Applying to post-secondary institutions Support during your coursework If you are off-track or at risk of not completing your university program Educator Development Specialists Educator Development Specialists support you in becoming an excellent educator. They oversee a portfolio of schools in their region, ensuring a high-quality candidate experience. Specialists lead Mentor and Model Teachers, designing and facilitating learning experiences and offering job-embedded coaching.  You can ask Educator Development Specialists about: Registered Apprenticeships Mentor Teachers Model Teaching Days Coaching Mentor Teacher If you complete an apprenticeship year, the Mentor Teacher provides the day-to-day realities of classroom teaching with on-the-job coaching, modeling effective instructional practices, and offers feedback to help candidates grow in their teaching skills.  Ask your mentor teacher about: RAP Standards Behavior Management Curriculum Delivery Postsecondary Institution Provides the coursework required for certification. They help candidates understand course expectations, provide feedback on assignments, and clarify concepts to ensure candidates stay on track. Ask your academic advisor at your postsecondary institution about: University policies Your course/program sequence Your grades or academic standing Meet our Team Contact your regional team members >> 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