CMU selected for statewide teacher preparation initiative

Central Michigan University has been selected as one of five Michigan universities to launch the 2026 Education Preparation Providers (EPP) Collaborative. This two-year statewide initiative is designed to improve teacher preparation recruitment, retention and quality, and form a strong foundation to help teacher preparation programs be responsive to the evolving needs of today’s students. The EPP Collaborative launched on January 22, 2026, by the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI), in partnership with edPrep Partners and 2Revolutions. After an extensive application process, CMU was chosen to participate along with Easter Michigan University, Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University and Western Michigan University.  

This collaborative will introduce scalable, high-quality models for education preparation by establishing stronger, data-informed partnerships between educator preparation programs and P-12 districts to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline. This two-year process will emphasize access and affordability, candidate retention and high-quality clinical pre-service experiences. Together, data will be shared between CMU and the other universities to identify gaps in teacher preparation programs that emphasize the importance of practice-based models across coursework and in the classroom, strengthening mentor teacher experiences and aligning university instruction with local district frameworks.  

Across the educator preparation programs at CMU, a focus will be on implementing and evaluating fully – into coursework and clinical experiences – Michigan's Core Teaching Practices. Dr. Troy Hick (Acting Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Services) and Dr. Chad Waldron (Chairperson of the Teacher and Special Education department), along with six faculty colleagues, will lead this work.  

“These practices are what make great teachers and lead to positive learning outcomes for students.” says Waldron. “By focusing on just five core teaching practices – based in years of research – across our birth to 12th grade educator preparation, we will prepare educators who can effectively meet the needs of all learners in any Michigan school, at any grade level.” 

The five participating EPPs will receive numerous benefits through the collaborative, including access to high-touch technical assistance through individualized coaching and project management support. Through on-person and virtual guidance, MEWI will assist CMU in being recognized as a leader in shaping the future of teacher preparation in Michigan while building strong district partnerships that align student pathways with workforce needs. With proper tools and frameworks, CMU will establish sustainable practices to help prepare Michigan educators.  

Success for the collaborative will be measured according to the edPrep Partners Performance Framework, assessing quality across four critical performance areas: program leadership and continuous improvement, candidate preparation and development, teacher educator practices and district and program partnerships. 

Waldron reflects on how critical these partnerships are to CMU and educator preparation. “This grant work is to create an even deeper connection between our clinical partners – our schools and districts – to our CMU educator preparation programs. We cannot do it alone.” He continues, “We have a long legacy of preparing great educators. This work will transform our partnerships with many of our partners into change for their future educators and how learning is shaped well into the future." 

For more information, visit MEWI EPP Collaborative webpage.