MI Talent Together

06/05/2026

Watch this amazing highlight featuring Talent Together alumni Jenny Packard, Shelby Curtiss, and Steven Funk at Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools! 🎉

A special thank you to Superintendent Katy Xenakis-Makowski for her leadership and commitment to creating pathways for future educators.

We're grateful for our incredible district partners, dedicated teacher candidates, and all those working to strengthen and sustain the teaching profession in Michigan. Together, we're helping more aspiring educators achieve their dreams and serve the communities they call home. ❤️🍎

https://www.9and10news.com/2026/06/03/michigans-talent-together-program-breaks-barriers-for-aspiring-educators/

The Talent Together program in Michigan is helping adults transition into teaching careers by providing scholarships and flexible education schedules. The program partners with colleges across the state to break down barriers for individuals like Jenny Packard, Shelby Curtis, and Steven Funk, who we...

06/04/2026

We're proud to be featured in Metromode 's latest story highlighting how Talent Together is helping address Michigan's teacher shortage by removing barriers to becoming an educator. Through free tuition, paid on-the-job learning, and local support, aspiring teachers across Metro Detroit and beyond are turning their dreams of teaching into reality.

Thank you to Laura Fitzgerald and Metromode for sharing the stories of the dedicated individuals building the future of Michigan's educator workforce.

Read the full story: https://metromodemedia.com/how-talent-together-is-helping-solve-the-teacher-shortage/

06/01/2026

Through hard work and hands-on learning, Apprentice Teacher Seth Finley is nearing the completion of his apprenticeship with Tawas Area Schools!

While earning his Special Education- Learning Disabilities Teacher Certification through Western Governors University, Seth has balanced coursework with meaningful classroom experience, building the skills and knowledge needed to support students and make a difference in special education.

As he approaches the finish line, we’re proud to celebrate all that Seth has accomplished and the impact he is already making in his school community. 🎉🍎

05/29/2026

Join us as a partner or sponsor for MI Talent Together's Inaugural Conference, "Harvesting Teacher Talent: From Policy to Practice." Taking place October 21–22 in Ann Arbor, MI. This event brings together education leaders, workforce partners, policymakers, and higher education institutions.

Our conference sponsors will gain valuable nationwide visibility while supporting meaningful conversations and innovative solutions to strengthen and sustain the educator pipeline.

Explore our sponsorship tiers and secure your spot today!

👉 Learn more and register: mitalenttogether.org/conference

05/27/2026

Congratulations to Talent Together Apprentice Teacher Aaron Pfau on being named the 2026 National Apprentice of the Year by Apprenticeships for America! 🎉

Aaron received the award on the main stage at the Apprenticeships for America National Summit in Washington, D.C., where leaders from across the country gathered to celebrate excellence in apprenticeship programs and workforce development.

As an Apprentice Teacher in East Lansing Public Schools, Aaron’s dedication to students and commitment to the teaching profession continue to inspire those around him. We are proud to see his hard work recognized at the national level and honored to celebrate this incredible achievement alongside him! 🍎👏

Read more about Aaron’s journey and this award: https://mitalenttogether.org/aaron-pfau-2026-national-apprentice-of-the-year/

05/22/2026

Date Extended!! If you are a Teacher Candidate with Talent Together, please complete the TC Survey in your inbox by Wednesday, May 27th!

Teacher Candidates, Talent Together is asking you to complete a brief survey to provide your feedback on our program. This survey will help us better understand the Teacher Candidate experience, where things are going well, and where we can improve. We would greatly appreciate your time in completing it!

05/22/2026

Greetings from Mackinac Island! Program Manager Gina Zuberbier and Northern Michigan Regional Program Director Amy Peterson joined Ally Mielock, a current Mentor Teacher from Ga***rd Community Schools, and Lisbeth McGregor, a former Apprentice Teacher Candidate and current Teacher of Record at Mackinac Island Public School, as panelists at the Michigan Educators Apprenticeship & Training Association Conference.

The panel focused on the apprentice experience and explored the supports that matter most throughout the apprenticeship journey, including mentorship, coaching, and partnerships with colleges and universities. This team shared real implementation examples and discussed how programs can help apprentices navigate challenges related to workload, role clarity, and transitioning into the classroom.

The session sparked meaningful conversation with attendees focused on strengthening apprentice-centered program design and supporting long-term apprentice success.

Left to right: Gina, Ally, Lisbeth, and Amy

05/21/2026

We are honored to partner with amazing university partners, including Washtenaw Community College. These partners share our dedication to strengthening Michigan's educator workforce, and together we are making an impact!

One by one, Preeonnah Wallace carefully pressed letters onto the top of her graduation cap during Washtenaw Community College's commencement rehearsal.

“MADE TO TEACH,” it read by the time she finished.

The message fits the 22-year-old Ypsilanti native, who says working with young people has long felt like the right path for her.

Wallace earned a Secondary Education-Transfer associate degree from WCC and will continue her studies at University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.

Her current employment is also influencing the direction she may take as an educator. Wallace works at a clinic that helps individuals with autism spectrum disorder build functional life skills, improve communication and reduce harmful or disruptive behaviors.

“Seeing how impactful those treatments can be for people has me thinking that maybe I’ll focus on special education for secondary,” she said.

As Michigan schools continue to face teacher shortages, Wallace represents the kind of future educator WCC is working to develop through transfer pathways and partnerships tied directly to community needs.

WCC is the premier community college partner for MI Talent Together, one of the nation’s largest “Grow Your Own” teacher preparation programs. The program, founded in partnership with the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, includes a consortium of all 56 intermediate school districts in Michigan.

For Wallace, that step is already in motion — continuing her education and preparing for a career helping students succeed in the classroom.

05/21/2026

🍂 The call for proposals is now open for the Michigan Talent Together Inaugural Conference: Harvesting Teacher Talent: From Policy to Practice!

We’re looking for engaging workshops, panels, and interactive sessions focused on educator preparation, mentorship, teacher retention, policy, innovation, and strengthening Michigan’s educator workforce.

📅 Proposals are due by June 30
📍 Conference Date: October 22, 2026 | Ann Arbor, Michigan

Registration is also officially open! Learn more, submit your proposal, and register today at:
https://mitalenttogether.org/conference/rfp/