BustED Pencils

We've got a whole pack of educated educators joining us today to talk about Edgewood College's Grow Your Own Teachers program and their partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District. With us today: Nancy Molfenter- Associate Superintendent for Student Services, Amy Vercauteren Hefty- Assistant Director of Special education for MMSD, and Michael Meissen- Senior Director of Innovations and Partnerships at Edgewood College.

It's no secret that this country has a shortage of high-quality teachers. With poor working conditions, seriously sub-par compensation, and ever-increasing demands, teachers are fleeing the profession. Just as bad, prospective educators aren't pursuing teaching careers due to oppressive obstacles. So what's the answer? Well, just as with tomatoes and some other botanicals: grow your own. Many people who want to teach but aren't licensed to do so are already working in school districts. Madison is pioneering a program that matches these individuals with the classes they need to earn their credentials, with a focus on special education.

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