The College of Education, in collaboration with the Detroit Public Schools, the Detroit Federation of Teachers and the Michigan Department of Education, has designed programs to increase
the number of certified teachers in high-need areas. Another goal is to increase the number of teachers from minority and under-represented groups in Detroit, Highland Park and Pontiac schools.

“These Pathways programs target areas of critical need such as mathematics and science teachers for middle and secondary schools. We also place emphasis on educating bilingual teachers, special education teachers and early childhood teachers,” says Sharon Elliott, associate professor, College
of Education.

“I consider it a primary mission to provide quality teachers to work in the Detroit Public Schools and
other nearby urban districts,” says Elliott.

“A great number of the teachers we prepare have backgrounds similar to those of their students. They are from minority and other under-represented groups. Many are male. Best of all, like us, they are dedicated to Detroit’s children.”