University of �鶹��ý’s teacher education programs support �鶹��ý’s future

Amidst a nationwide teacher shortage, the University of �鶹��ý is focused on increasing its teacher pipeline to provide the state with the workforce it needs and help shape the future of �鶹��ý.

“We know that when incoming students weigh their career options, they’re looking at choices from an economic perspective,” said Steve Atwater, executive dean of �鶹��ý College of Education. “They are concerned about the return on their educational investment. When it comes to careers in education, UA offers a good return on that investment with a wide array of degrees and certificates that are affordable and lead directly to employment.”

According to a University of �鶹��ý workforce report from Dec. 2020, nearly 90 percent of graduates are working in education within a year of finishing their degrees.

Between University of �鶹��ý Anchorage, University of �鶹��ý Fairbanks and University of �鶹��ý Southeast, the system offers 41 programs linked to teacher education. From elementary and secondary education to music education, educational leadership and more, there are many career options to explore.

“�鶹��ý students are our future – and a quality, stable teaching workforce is one of the best ways we can help to set them up for success,” said Atwater. “When we hire teachers that are educated in �鶹��ý and are invested in the communities in which they teach, everyone wins.”

Prospective students and current teachers can visit UA’s new, interactive teacher education website at Teach�鶹��ý.org to explore which degree and certificate options best fit their career goals.

About University of �鶹��ý Schools of Education

The University of �鶹��ý offers a wide range of teacher education programs at all three universities in the UA system for students wishing to become educators. UA's programs range from associate degrees to four-year and advanced degrees as well as certification programs. Degree-seeking students can enroll in distance or on-campus courses.