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by Vaughn R. Larson
The Wisconsin National Guard has entered into a public-private partnership with Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin that offers an expedited path to a Master’s Degree in education for a significant discount in price.
Edgewood College’s Accelerated Teacher Education Partnership connects participants with a school district on a timeline to deliver teaching credentials in 12 months. Students complete coursework while at the same time teaching in a classroom under the mentorship of an established teacher.
Tuition for this initiative has been reduced 45 percent — a 30-credit master’s degree would cost $9,750.
“This is a big deal,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general. “The National Guard as a whole, and the Wisconsin National Guard in particular, has an extensive history of supporting and strengthening our community. This partnership with Edgewood College not only aligns with that tradition, but presents an incredible opportunity for Guard members and their spouses, while at the same time addressing a critical need in schools all across Wisconsin.”
Andrew P. Manion, president of Edgewood College, said that Wisconsin has seen a marked increase in the number of emergency teaching licenses issued by school districts to address teacher shortages over the past decade. In the 2021-22 school year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued more than 3,000 emergency teaching licenses.
“This partnership helps Edgewood College team with Wisconsin Air and Army National Guard in a way that both organizations are leveraging technology to respond to the needs of our community,” Manion said.
Dr. Michael Meissen brings more than 40 years of experience as a public school teacher, administrator and superintendent to his role as senior director of Innovations and Partnerships at Edgewood College.
“We are appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guard to provide a pathway toward teaching,” Meissen said. “We are optimistic our teaming together with the Wisconsin National Guard will be impactful in addressing a pressing need for highly qualified teachers in our state.”
Edgewood College was chartered in 1927 to equip young women to become teachers.
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