In recent years, Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., has been working hard to address the current shortage of teachers across the synod. MLC has developed two new programs designed to offer alternative pathways for non-traditional, second-career individuals to earn degrees in education, which would aid in staffing growing WELS early childhood centers and elementary schools.

To support WELS early childhood centers with their varied staffing needs, the MLC Office of Continuing Education has launched its four tiers of support for early childhood teachers. Tiers 2 to 4 build upon one another, with Tier 4 culminating in an associate degree. Prospective students—often WELS members already working in some capacity at an early childhood center—can enter the program at any level, depending on their educational backgrounds and career goals. 

As of November 2024, the program has cleared the final hurdle in becoming an accredited program. “The online Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education for non-traditional adult learners has been approved by the state of Minnesota and the Higher Learning Commission,” says Prof. John Meyer, director of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at MLC. “Since the program was approved by our accreditor, four adult learners have been accepted, two more have begun the application process, and more have expressed their intention to apply.”  

MLC has also recently launched the Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility program, which provides a pathway for non-traditional and second-career students to earn a bachelor’s degree in education. “We believe there are a great number of candidates who can serve the church and its school system in a way that will help fulfill the existing teacher shortage,” says Dr. Jeff Wiechman, vice president for academics at MLC. “Many people are considering a second career in teaching because they want to support our system.” 

This licensure program is structured as a competency-based education program, allowing students to use their knowledge and experience to guide their pacing through the coursework to meet the Bachelor of Science in Education degree requirements and be eligible for a Minnesota Tier 3 teaching license. Wiechman explains, “Many of these students are already working in school settings and can apply their experiences toward their coursework, ultimately earning both their degree and license.” 

The development of the licensure program has been years in the making. “This idea first surfaced in 2017 when we recognized our schools were growing and began exploring alternative ways to serve our church body,” Wiechman explains. MLC called Dr. Nichole LaGrow as the program director and Dr. Martin LaGrow as the instructional designer. Together, they secured accreditation and approvals necessary for the program’s launch and worked with MLC faculty to structure the curriculum. 

MLC started work with returning adult learners interested in pursuing an elementary education degree and license a year ago with the launch of the theology minor. Those students can now continue via the Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility program. New students can join them this fall by applying to MLC . “We’re excited to serve our church body in this new way,” says Wiechman. “This has been a long time in the making, and we’re grateful for the support that made it possible.” 

To learn more about MLC’s four tiers of support for early childhood teachers, visit forwardinchrist.net/early-childhood-teachers and mlc-wels.edu/continuing-education/four-tiers. 

Visit the MLC Nontraditional Education Blog to learn more about competency-based education and the Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility program.