For the first time, the Marsal School will offer an Educator Preparation Program for first-year undergraduate students

In addition to its first-year admitting LEAPS program option, the Marsal Family School of Education will offer an Educator Preparation Program for first-year students interested in pursuing teacher education, reports CBS News Detroit and the University Record. Previously, students interested in teaching as a career had to be admitted to LSA and then apply as sophomores for the highly ranked teacher education program.

This new first-year direct admit major will allow students to apply directly to the Marsal School for the Educator Preparation Program and, if admitted, begin their educator preparation learning earlier in their U-M careers. 

“Welcoming first-year students directly into our teacher certification program marks an exciting new chapter for the Marsal Family School of Education,” says Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education & Educator Preparation Programs, Kendra L. Hearn. “It allows us to nurture future educators from the very beginning of their college journey, equipping them with the knowledge, experience, and support they need to become transformative teachers in today’s classrooms. This initiative is also a critical step in our broader effort to address the national teacher shortage by building a strong, diverse pipeline of committed and well-prepared educators.”