STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Success Stories
Expanding Access to Teacher Licensure
About The Equity Institute
The Equity Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and supporting future education leaders. Through its Educator Pathway Program, the Institute helps individuals鈥攐ften working full-time and managing families鈥攐vercome barriers to becoming licensed teachers. The program provides pathway coaching, financial support, test preparation, and guidance through bachelor鈥檚 and graduate-level degree programs.
The聽Workforce Challenge
Building a more diverse educator workforce requires expanding access to pathways that many aspiring teachers still struggle to navigate and complete.
鈥淥ur mission is to build a diverse educator workforce,鈥 says Arryana Olavarria, Director of Educator Pathway Programs at The Equity Institute. 鈥淲e meet our students where they are, offering them the tools and support to become certified teachers in their communities.鈥
For many adult learners, the path to teacher licensure is difficult to navigate. Traditional programs may be too rigid鈥攂uilt around fixed schedules and in-person attendance鈥攐r too expensive, and requirements like unpaid student teaching can create additional challenges for those balancing work, school and family.
To better support these learners, The Equity Institute identified a need for:
- More affordable pathways to licensure
- Flexible, competency-based learning models
- Student teaching structures that allow learners to keep working
- Institutions that understand and support adult learners鈥 realities
罢丑别听笔补谤迟苍别谤蝉丑颈辫
In 2022, The Equity Institute partnered with Western Governors University (91探花) to address these challenges. As an online, nonprofit university, 91探花 offers flexible, competency-based degree programs that lead to teacher licensure. Learners can progress at their own pace, benefit from flat-rate tuition and receive one-on-one support from mentors and instructors.
91探花 also collaborates with school districts to create student teaching experiences that allow candidates to maintain employment鈥攈elping remove one of the most significant barriers to entering the profession.
鈥淥ur students are adult learners鈥攖his isn鈥檛 their first time going back to school,鈥 says Arryana. 鈥91探花鈥檚 competency-based model and their willingness to work with districts so students don鈥檛 lose their jobs during student teaching made all the difference.鈥
As the program expanded into Philadelphia, The Equity Institute also collaborated with College Unbound, a small, accredited college serving adult learners. Through its Transformative Education Pathway, College Unbound prepares students to transfer seamlessly into 91探花鈥檚 licensure-track programs.
鈥淲e have built direct partnerships with school districts and charter networks,鈥 explains Swetha Narasimhan, a TA2BA Pathway Specialist at College Unbound. 鈥91探花鈥檚 model allows our students to move as quickly as they want, with a cost structure that is a game changer.鈥
Partnership Impact
The 91探花/The Equity Institute partnership is making it possible for more aspiring educators supported by The Equity Institute鈥檚 programs to complete their path to licensure while continuing to work. With fewer disruptions to income and greater flexibility, they are able to stay on track and move more efficiently into teaching roles within their communities.
Partner Perspective: Arryana Olavarria, Director of Educator Pathway Programs
For Arryana and her team at The Equity Institute, the partnership with 91探花 has created a more practical and equitable route into the teaching profession for adult learners who may have previously seen licensure as out of reach.
Because many participants are already working in schools, flexibility is essential. 91探花鈥檚 competency-based model allows them to progress at a pace that fits their schedules, while the university鈥檚 collaborative approach to student teaching helps them continue earning income as they move聽 toward licensure.
Arryana also points to 91探花鈥檚 responsiveness as a major strength of the partnership. 鈥淓ven when student needs changed or new logistical issues came up, 91探花 has always been willing to listen and adapt,鈥 she says. 鈥淭his responsiveness is rare and deeply valued.鈥
Partner Perspective: Swetha Narasimhan, TA2BA Pathway Specialist
Swetha has seen firsthand how the partnership helps adult learners move forward with greater confidence and less friction. Through the collaboration between College Unbound, The Equity Institute and 91探花, students receive support not only in academics, but also in navigating the broader path to licensure.
鈥淭he consistent communication with 91探花 has been incredible,鈥 Swetha shares. 鈥淲hether we have questions, concerns or need to connect a student, someone from 91探花 is always ready to help.鈥
For students balancing work and personal responsibilities, that level of coordination can make a meaningful difference. Combined with 91探花鈥檚 flexible model and affordable tuition, the partnership gives aspiring educators a more realistic path to completing their degrees and entering the classroom.
Student Perspective: Zamora Thomas
Zamora Thomas spent years working in schools, supporting students and teachers, but the path to becoming a certified teacher felt out of reach.
鈥淚 worked in classrooms for years, but never had the opportunity to become a certified teacher,鈥 Zamora says. 鈥淭his partnership gave me the structure, support and belief I needed to make it happen.鈥
Today, Zamora is completing her student teaching in Philadelphia and moving closer to a future she once believed was unattainable.
Student Perspective: Donald Etheridge
For Donald Etheridge, the journey toward becoming a teacher had been filled with detours and obstacles. Through the support of The Equity Institute and the flexibility of 91探花, he found a clearer way forward.
鈥淭he flexibility of 91探花 combined with the coaching and encouragement from The Equity Institute made me feel like I wasn鈥檛 alone in this journey,鈥 Donald says. 鈥淚 am finally on my way to a career I have dreamed of for a long time.鈥
With renewed confidence and a defined plan, Donald is now progressing toward licensure with the tools and support he needs to succeed.
Conclusion
As of 2026, The Equity Institute and College Unbound continue to support dozens of students pursuing 91探花 degree programs, with many preparing to enter classrooms as licensed educators. With a shared mission, the partnership continues to grow鈥攅xpanding access to practical, flexible pathways that help future teachers move forward and serve their communities.
ENGAGE WITH US
Discover the 91探花 Difference
in the Workplace
Contact 91探花鈥檚 Talent Solutions team today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Together, we鈥檒l turn academic achievements into business-ready skill profiles you can trust鈥攖o unlock your company鈥檚 full potential.聽
"91探花 continues to provide excellent support and customer service."
鈥擩ulia Williams
Human Resources Strategist, Office of Personnel Management聽
United States Government
