Jackson College and University of Michigan-Dearborn announce new pathway for elementary education teachers.

Jackson College will offer a new local pathway for aspiring elementary education teachers, thanks to a new agreement with the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

On Friday, representatives from both institutions signed an articulation agreement creating a coordinated pathway to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Through this “2 + 2” program, students complete an Associate of Arts and a Behavioral Sciences Certificate at Jackson College, then transfer to UM-Dearborn to finish the bachelor’s degree.

To make education more accessible, UM-Dearborn coursework may be completed online, allowing students to study from their own communities. Teaching candidates will also complete two apprenticeships and a student teaching placement, arranged in nearby schools.

“This is our first time offering a 2 + 2 agreement with an online elementary education program, and we’re so excited that Jackson College students will be able to complete their first two years here at Jackson and their next two years with UM-Dearborn,” said Dr. Danielle DeFauw, Professor of Reading and Language Arts and Chair of the Department of Education in UM-Dearborn’s College of Education, Health & Human Services. “We’re really excited about everything that we’re celebrating here today!”

“This is hopefully the start of a longer-term relationship and more agreements with the University of Michigan-Dearborn,” said Dr. Ghassan Kridli, Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, UM-Dearborn. “Our mission is to serve the state and to serve our constituencies. Most of our students end up serving the state; about 95 percent of our graduates stay in Michigan. I look forward to continued discussions with Jackson College about opportunities to further pathways for Michigan’s future educators.” 

The demand for teachers continues to grow in Michigan and across the nation. Local school districts have expressed the need for a nearby pathway to prepare future educators, and this agreement provides an important response.

“We are very thrilled at Jackson College to be able to work with the University of Michigan-Dearborn on this first-ever 2 + 2 agreement in elementary education,” said Dr. Benjamin Valdez, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Jackson College. “Our region and our community need more teachers. This agreement will allow them to remain here in Jackson. This is really designed with our students in mind.”

JC Professor Jacklyn Burkhard, who helped draft the agreement, agreed. “I am really excited our students can do everything and stay here in Jackson. This will be good for Jackson and our tri-county area.”

For more information, speak with a student success navigator or Josh Ray, Jackson College new student engagement, recruitment and transfer strategist, or call 517.796.8425.