Elevate K-12, an entity based in Chicago that offers high-quality streaming instruction, works diligently to link teachers to schools that need them the most. The pandemic made educating children increasingly difficult, a situation compounded by the teacher shortage that occurred over the last few years. Recently, Elevate K-12 joined forces with University of Phoenix to lessen the impact of this crisis.
The university is placing student teachers into online classrooms in areas where shortages are the worst. This partnership is mutually beneficial. Student teachers are required to fulfill a set number of hours performing educational duties, but COVID-19 made access to a classroom setting extremely difficult. Thanks to Elevate K-12, these college students can access teaching opportunities while schools benefit from necessary instructional support. Elevate Live streamlines connection and learning by providing students and teachers with tools to enjoy impactful lessons with personal interaction.
Kim Kross, COO of Elevate K-12, explained that the pilot program involves placing student teachers from University of Phoenix into virtual classrooms. The school receives a mentor teacher, and each student is assigned a curriculum that lasts four hours a day over 12 weeks. During the first few weeks, the student teachers observe the mentors to become acquainted with the students and learn how to adapt to an online teaching environment. Eventually, the student teachers take over and are observed and encouraged by the mentors.
At a time when it is challenging to complete the requirements for a degree in education, Elevate K-12 has opened the door to excellent opportunities. In addition to hands-on experience, student teachers receive videos of actual classroom instruction so they can analyze effective teaching methods without attending in-person classes.
The true winners are the young students. As the country’s national teacher shortage continues, Elevate K-12 and University of Phoenix will work in tandem to help schools that do not have certified instructors. Through this partnership, future teachers will have the opportunity to train and become quality educators.
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