Adams State awarded grant to develop rural educators

Article by Julie Waechter, special to Adams State

Adams State University is launching a new program, “Developing Rural Educators Using the Apprenticeship Model,” funded by a five-year grant of $3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor, according to Curtis Garcia, PH.D., professor and director of the School of Education. This is a federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant, which helps institutions of higher education become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students.

“This grant allows Adams State to redefine how we train future teachers and will help address teacher shortages in rural southern Colorado,” Dr. Garcia explained, noting there is a 20 percent annual teacher turnover rate. “The project offers progressive wage scales, enhanced AI training, and credit for prior experience, which help remove financial and geographical barriers for both high school students and adult learners. It ensures our future educators earn while they learn, while providing local school districts with the long-term workforce stability they urgently need.”

Dr. Garcia is the lead principal investigator for the grant, assisted by Dr. Michele Mann, associate professor of teacher education, and Dr. Justine Schwarz, assistant professor of teacher education.

Working with the San Luis Valley BOCES (Board of Cooperative Education Services) and area school districts, Adams State will spearhead a state-approved Registered Apprenticeship initiative to create career pathways for both adult learners and high school students enrolled concurrently in college courses.

Dr. Garcia explained the Registered Apprenticeship model features a progressive wage scale to incentivize on-the-job learning. It offers stackable credentials for pre-apprentices (concurrent) and apprentices (undergraduate adult learners), who may earn credit for prior experience. Mentor teachers, a dedicated advisor, and technology innovations in instruction will help support students through their education.

In addition, Adams State faculty will be trained to develop Competency Based Assessment (CBA) in course design and portfolio evaluation. “This will embed a new system for bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure attainment, while reducing the time and cost burdens on our students” Dr. Garcia said. “I consider that to be a win for our Adams State as we continue to fulfill our mission of providing access to higher education, while also benefiting future students by recognizing the knowledge and experience they bring to the profession of teaching.”