Alternative paths, online options attract students to teacher preparation programs

Earlier this year, the wind was howling and the temperature was 40 degrees below zero in the northern Minnesota town of Backus.

But inside her home, Michelle Holden, a student in an innovative teacher training program offered through Bemidji State University, went online to finish two papers, check three discussion boards and work on an assignment in a chat session with classmates.

Known as the Distributed Learning in Teacher Education program, or DLiTE, it is one of many alternative teacher training programs available in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Holden, 44, is one of 23 students slated to graduate in May. She is in the first group to complete the three-year Bemidji State program, which allows students to teach kindergarten through eighth grade.

"I love online learning," she said. "Bemidji is 120 miles round trip. Driving up there to take classes when it's that windy and that cold on those deserted roads is not a pleasant thought."

A Head Start instructor for 26 years, Holden said at first she questioned why she had to take certain courses. But now, she's glad that she did. "I know I'm a good teacher, but now I know why I'm doing the things I do." She said the degree also means she will move to a higher pay category.

Begun in 2002, the program already has drawn acclaim. Last spring, the program received the Region 8 Exceptional Credit Program Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education. The award recognized the program for its originality, innovation, program success and adaptability for other institutions of higher learning. Region 8 includes eight Midwestern states, western Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

For John Villebrun, the DLiTE program is a perfect fit. "I work full time at the Boise Forte Reservation and have four children."

Cyndy Crist, the system's director for P-16 collaboration, says new options for teacher licensure are emerging regularly. "It's no longer true that the only way to prepare as a teacher is a four-year, 9-to-5 weekday program," she said. "All seven of our state universities have developed ways to fit individuals' needs, accelerate the learning process and truly collaborate with school districts."

John Villebrun is a DLiTE student from Cook, Minn.

These alternative programs focus on training teachers in areas where shortages exist - science, mathematics and special education, in particular. Minnesota State University, Mankato, for example, offers an entirely online graduate licensing program in special education, Crist said.

Most of the students in the Bemidji State program are first-generation college students and about half of this year's prospective graduates already have job offers, said Barbara Rogers Bridges, the program's director and a professor of education at Bemidji State.

Through collaboration between Bemidji State, community colleges and several other organizations, the program relies primarily on online technology to deliver instruction. Students use interactive television and a Web site for threaded discussions, collaborative projects, assessment tracking and an electronic portfolio.

They meet three weekends a year in Minneapolis, St. Cloud or Bemidji with their professors for testing and student presentations. The next group starts Aug. 19.

Rex Ray, 35, of Hibbing is a full-time retail department store manager and father of four. He enrolled because he saw it was the best way to complete a degree, accomplish his goals and still be an active father and husband.

"I have a real passion to teach and work with children," Ray said. "I believe that having my teaching degree will also offer me the opportunity to spend more time with my children."

A unique characteristic of the Bemidji State program pairs each student with a working teacher who serves as a mentor.

Participants with Bemidji State include Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Central Lakes College, Century College, Inver Hills Community College, Itasca Community College, Lake Superior College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Normandale Community College, North Hennepin Community College, Rainy River Community College, Ridgewater College and Rochester Community and Technical College. Also participating are the Minnesota Satellite and Technology Center, Perpich Center for Arts Education, Walker Art Center and Paramount Theater and the Visual Arts Center in St. Cloud.

More information about the Distributed Learning in Teacher Education program is available from the Center for Extended Learning, Bemidji State University, at (218) 755-2068 or 1-800-475-2001 or at distance.bemidjistate.edu/DLiTE/.

For information about alternative licensure programs, contact Cyndy Crist at (651) 297-5264 or cyndy.crist@so.mnscu.edu.