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.

Meet a TC: Lisbeth McGregor

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.

Talent Together is a statewide solution to Michigan’s classroom crisis

A Statewide Solution to Michigan’s Classroom Crisis  Michigan’s Teacher Shortage A recent Detroit News investigation shed light on Michigan’s growing class sizes, but behind that issue lies an even greater concern: the state’s ongoing teacher shortage. According to MSU’s EPIC research, in 2022-23, district leaders reported having twice as many teacher vacancies and only half as many applicants per position compared to 2019-20. Without more high-quality teachers, class sizes will continue to rise — affecting student learning across the state. Michigan’s answer to this crisis is Talent Together, a homegrown, innovative teacher preparation program led by all 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) and regional education service agencies (RESAs). Partnering with 18 colleges and universities, the program eliminates the top barriers to entering the profession: cost, time, and access.   Rooted in Schools, Ready to Teach The program is effective because it’s designed by Michigan educators for Michigan schools. Participants are often already working in schools as paraprofessionals or aides, embedded in their communities, and committed to staying. Supported throughout the process, they receive credentials and practical skills needed to lead classrooms. With an 88% retention rate, the model works. As Calhoun ISD’s Taia Cisco puts it, “I’m learning to adapt instruction, support students more effectively, and advocate for students’ needs.” Talent Together’s results speak volumes: 96% of its participants report feeling confident and classroom-ready after their training. The best teachers often start with hands-on experience, and this program builds on that foundation by placing candidates in real classrooms, learning alongside experienced mentors. Taia Ciscp, Calhoun Intermediate School District  Real Impact One such teacher is Lisbeth McGregor from Mackinac Island Public Schools. “Through many years of supportive roles, I’ve learned so much about teaching and the whole child,” she says. “Talent Together helped me transition from support staff to lead teacher—something I had dreamed of for years.” Recognized as a Registered Apprenticeship Program by the U.S. Department of Labor, Talent Together allows teacher candidates to earn a wage while they learn. For people like Alex Getty of Lake City Area Schools, that support is critical. “Talent Together has been life-changing,” he says. “I could support my family while pursuing my dream.”   Lisbeth McGregor, Mackinaw Island School District  Full support The program also emphasizes observation of model teachers, creating a cycle of practice, feedback, and reflection that ensures readiness from day one. Leah Porter, the 2022 Michigan Teacher of the Year, praises the program’s community: “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by professionals so committed to making a difference.”Talent Together currently supports over 1,200 teacher candidates in 400+ districts, with 229 newly certified teachers already in classrooms and another 210 on the way. It’s the largest “Grow Your Own” teacher initiative in the nation, with reach into both urban and rural communities. The desire to teach is still strong. What’s been missing is a way to get there. Talent Together removes the barriers—bringing passionate, qualified educators into classrooms where they’re needed most. To ensure this work continues, Michigan residents can contact their legislators and advocate for full funding in the state school aid budget. Sustained investment in programs like Talent Together will reduce class sizes, fill vacancies, and strengthen education statewide. Daveda Colbert is superintendent at Wayne RESA, Eric Hoppstock is superintendent at Berrien RESA and Jason Mellema is superintendent at Ingham ISD.  

Meet a TC: Kenneth Taylor

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.

Meet a TC: John Fitzsimons

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.

Meet a TC: Donille Cabanaw

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.

Opinion: Talent Together is a statewide solution to Michigan’s classroom crisis.

Opinion: Talent Together is a statewide solution to Michigan’s classroom crisis By Daveda Colbert, Eric Hoppstock, and Jason Mellema A recent Detroit News investigation shed light on Michigan’s growing class sizes, but behind that issue lies an even greater concern: the state’s ongoing teacher shortage. According to MSU’s EPIC research, in 2022-23, district leaders reported having twice as many teacher vacancies and only half as many applicants per position compared to 2019-20. Without more high-quality teachers, class sizes will continue to rise — affecting student learning across the state. Michigan’s answer to this crisis is Talent Together, a homegrown, innovative teacher preparation program led by all 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) and regional education service agencies (RESAs). Partnering with 18 colleges and universities, the program eliminates the top barriers to entering the profession: cost, time, and access. The program is effective because it’s designed by Michigan educators for Michigan schools. Participants are often already working in schools as paraprofessionals or aides, embedded in their communities, and committed to staying. Supported throughout the process, they receive credentials and practical skills needed to lead classrooms. With an 88% retention rate, the model works. As Calhoun ISD’s Taia Cisco puts it, “I’m learning to adapt instruction, support students more effectively, and advocate for students’ needs.” Talent Together’s results speak volumes: 96% of its participants report feeling confident and classroom-ready after their training. The best teachers often start with hands-on experience, and this program builds on that foundation by placing candidates in real classrooms, learning alongside experienced mentors. One such teacher is Lisbeth McGregor from Mackinac Island Public Schools. “Through many years of supportive roles, I’ve learned so much about teaching and the whole child,” she says. “Talent Together helped me transition from support staff to lead teacher—something I had dreamed of for years.” Recognized as a Registered Apprenticeship Program by the U.S. Department of Labor, Talent Together allows teacher candidates to earn a wage while they learn. For people like Alex Getty of Lake City Area Schools, that support is critical. “Talent Together has been life-changing,” he says. “I could support my family while pursuing my dream.” The program also emphasizes observation of model teachers, creating a cycle of practice, feedback, and reflection that ensures readiness from day one. Leah Porter, the 2022 Michigan Teacher of the Year, praises the program’s community: “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by professionals so committed to making a difference.”Talent Together currently supports over 1,200 teacher candidates in 400+ districts, with 229 newly certified teachers already in classrooms and another 210 on the way. It’s the largest “Grow Your Own” teacher initiative in the nation, with reach into both urban and rural communities. The desire to teach is still strong. What’s been missing is a way to get there. Talent Together removes the barriers—bringing passionate, qualified educators into classrooms where they’re needed most. To ensure this work continues, Michigan residents can contact their legislators and advocate for full funding in the state school aid budget. Sustained investment in programs like Talent Together will reduce class sizes, fill vacancies, and strengthen education statewide. Daveda Colbert is superintendent at Wayne RESA, Eric Hoppstock is superintendent at Berrien RESA and Jason Mellema is superintendent at Ingham ISD.   Read Original Article Here

Wildlife biologist-turned-middle school teacher highlighted for National Apprenticeship Day

Wildlife biologist-turned-middle school teacher highlighted for National Apprenticeship Day By Griffin Weinberg, TV6 ISHPEMING TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WLUC) – From teaching pythons a lesson to teaching lessons to middle schoolers. Mary Peterson is a teaching apprentice at Aspen Ridge Middle School. She teaches 7th-grade science. Before that, Peterson was a stay-at-home mom and a wildlife biologist. After her kids went back to school, Peterson needed something to keep her busy. So, she applied for an apprenticeship through Talent Together. It’s a Michigan-based program that pays for your education while paying you to work a full-time job. “You want to put teachers in classrooms that you want your children in,” Chelsea Norton, a Talent Together Educator Development Specialist, said. “Mary is somebody that I know I would want my girls (to have) as a teacher.” Peterson’s job as a wildlife biologist took her from Alaska to Japan, and then to capturing pythons in Florida. “We would have traplines out there to try to make sure they weren’t getting into the Keys,” said Peterson. “We would have to check our traplines and then, when we’d find them in the traps, we’d have to take them out and bring them to get handled.” Peterson was born and raised in Ishpeming. She’s coached in the school district for almost a decade, and her father was a teacher. Peterson saw teaching as a natural fit. “When I really sat down and thought about it, it was a pretty natural progression for me to get into this so I could stay in the science field and I found out that I really love working with kids,” said Peterson. Norton appreciates Peterson’s ability to self-reflect. “She is somebody who is constantly wanting to do better and that’s something you can’t teach,” said Norton. “That’s something that we love to see in teachers because our students, their needs are changing.” There are only 27 days left of class in the NICE Community School District. A TV6 reporter asked Peterson if she could go back to the first day of school, on September 3rd, what advice she would give herself. “I would tell her to relax and not be so nervous and to know that everything is gonna come together,” Peterson said. “You’re gonna learn so much that eventually you’re gonna feel so comfortable and you’re not gonna be panicking and you’re gonna have a lot of fun.” Capturing pythons and teaching 7th grade are two different kinds of fun. Peterson is happy to trade in the wildlife classroom for this one.   Watch the full Video Here