PRESS RELEASE

Faculty highlight role of teacher preparation at economic development summit

KOKOMO, Ind. — To have the entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, and skilled workers needed to grow the economy, you also need educators.

Two Indiana University Kokomo faculty members highlighted IU Kokomo and IU’s commitment to addressing teacher shortages that make providing education more difficult at the inaugural IU Economic Development Summit this month. Leah Nellis, IU assistant vice president for school partnerships, and IU Kokomo vice chancellor for innovation and special projects; and Tara Kingsley, IU Kokomo interim dean and professor of education, together with Carla Ballenger, IU project management specialist, registered apprenticeships, IU Office of School Partnerships, presented a panel discussion about the IU Registered Apprenticeship Program for K-12 Teachers (IURAP-T).

The program offers a structured pathway for aspiring teachers to work in a school-based position with mentor teachers while completing a bachelor’s degree. The opportunity is especially valuable for individuals who need to work while earning a teaching license, and it benefits school districts and local communities by providing both social and economic impact.

“By preparing future educators through a registered apprenticeship model, we are not only filling critical workforce gaps, but also investing in the long-term vitality of Indiana’s education system,” Nellis said. “Strong schools are foundational to strong communities, and this program helps ensure that every student, regardless of zip code, has access to well-prepared, passionate teachers. At the same time, it provides a career pathway for individuals who might not otherwise have access to traditional teacher preparation programs. This dual impact, supporting individuals and strengthening systems, is at the heart of economic development.”

Kingsley said they were honored to be selected to present.

“I’m really excited to have been part of this summit and to share how our work in education is helping support Indiana’s communities and economy,” she said. “It’s also meaningful to be part of a statewide conversation with people from so many different areas – like education, business, and government – all coming together to strengthen Indiana’s future. When we support and invest in educators, we’re not just helping schools. We’re shaping the future of every career field and building stronger communities in the process.”

Their presentation demonstrated the power of partnerships to develop new ways of educating and supporting future workers.

“I hope people left our session seeing how powerful on-the-job learning can be, especially when it’s backed by strong local and state partnerships,” Kingsley said. “Programs like IU RAP-T show what’s possible when universities create flexible degree pathways that make hands-on, paid learning part of the college experience. And if we can work together to secure funding to support students along the way, that’s a win for everyone.”

Nellis said that while this model focuses on teachers, it can be adapted for other career fields needed in the state.

“IU Kokomo and IU at large are committed to addressing local challenges, in this case educator shortages, through collaborative and innovative programs,” she said. “Partnering to develop and deploy innovative solutions is captured in the Teach Local tagline for the IU Registered Apprenticeship program, and the same concept and strategy can be applied to our workforce development needs and challenges.”

The summit brought together university leaders, business executives, policymakers, and community stakeholders to explore IU’s impact on economic development throughout the state.

Additional session topics included building the North Central Indiana Healthcare Talent Alliance, how entrepreneurship fits into economic development, partnerships to foster a manufacturing pipeline, and building ecosystem and industry partnerships.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.