The pandemic and recovery efforts have exacerbated existing shortages of qualified educators and youth workers. School districts need an immediate pipeline to fill hard-to-staff positions. This session highlights the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)’s work to grow the pipeline of educators and youth workers beginning in high school career and technical education (CTE), dual enrollment, and Early Middle College programs. Students in these programs can earn an early childhood or youth development credential that qualifies them for immediate placement in Michigan’s 21st Century Learning Communities and Great Start or Head Start programs, among others, and puts them on a pathway to educator certification through further education. We will highlight practical examples from schools and districts that are implementing the pathways. We will provide opportunities to reflect on what similar pathways might look like within their own contexts and learn how to get started.
Consultant to states on needs assessment, strategic planning, and policy development in early childhood education and ESSA implementation. Member of a team working with the US Department of Education to support collaborations of school districts and community providers to create out-of-school learning opportunities. Working as consultant to MIchigan State agency on pathways project for two years.
Much of my work is focused on supporting career pathways for the early childhood and out of school time workforce. Pathways are designed to be flexible and are based on professional development, credentials and higher education. Nearly all of my roles have involved supporting individuals with pursuing a CDA credential. I manage our state workforce registry and see first hand the need for competent educators.
Lorraine Thoreson has extensive experience with workforce development for out-of-school time programs. Currently, she manages Michigan’s 21st Century Learning Communities within the Michigan Department of Education Office of Great Start. She has been instrumental in developing the Michigan Youth Development Associate credential, unique in being a state-led youth development credential. Lorraine also served on the executive board of directors of the National AfterSchool Association for 8 years and the Michigan AfterSchool Association executive board of directors for 10 years. Lorraine currently chairs the Quality committee and served on the Executive and Steering committee for the Michigan After-school Partnership which is a Mott funded afterschool network aligning partners interested in afterschool and out-of-school time programs.
17 years of teaching experience, including 11 in the Education & Training Career Cluster Helped to form the Michigan Educational Career Association, the professional mentor organization for teachers in this CTE area. Extensive work with FCCLA, Educators Rising, and the South Carolina CERRA model.