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 individualsoften working full-time and managing familiesovercome barriers to becoming licensed teachers. The program provides pathway coaching, financial support, test preparation, and guidance through bachelors and graduate-level degree programs.
TheWorkforce Challenge
Building a more diverse educator workforce requires expanding access to pathways that many aspiring teachers still struggle to navigate and complete.
Our mission is to build a diverse educator workforce, says Arryana Olavarria, Director of Educator Pathway Programs at The Equity Institute. We meet our students where they are, offering them the tools and support to become certified teachers in their communities.
For many adult learners, the path to teacher licensure is difficult to navigate. Traditional programs may be too rigidbuilt around fixed schedules and in-person attendanceor 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 realities
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In 2022, The Equity Institute partnered with Western Governors University (91勛圖厙) to address these challenges. As an online, nonprofit university, 91勛圖厙 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勛圖厙 also collaborates with school districts to create student teaching experiences that allow candidates to maintain employmenthelping remove one of the most significant barriers to entering the profession.
Our students are adult learnersthis isnt their first time going back to school, says Arryana. 91勛圖厙s competency-based model and their willingness to work with districts so students dont lose their jobs during student teaching made all the difference.
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勛圖厙s licensure-track programs.
We have built direct partnerships with school districts and charter networks, explains Swetha Narasimhan, a TA2BA Pathway Specialist at College Unbound. 91勛圖厙s model allows our students to move as quickly as they want, with a cost structure that is a game changer.
Partnership Impact
The 91勛圖厙/The Equity Institute partnership is making it possible for more aspiring educators supported by The Equity Institutes 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勛圖厙 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勛圖厙s competency-based model allows them to progress at a pace that fits their schedules, while the universitys collaborative approach to student teaching helps them continue earning income as they move toward licensure.
Arryana also points to 91勛圖厙s responsiveness as a major strength of the partnership. Even when student needs changed or new logistical issues came up, 91勛圖厙 has always been willing to listen and adapt, she says. This responsiveness is rare and deeply valued.
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勛圖厙, students receive support not only in academics, but also in navigating the broader path to licensure.
The consistent communication with 91勛圖厙 has been incredible, Swetha shares. Whether we have questions, concerns or need to connect a student, someone from 91勛圖厙 is always ready to help.
For students balancing work and personal responsibilities, that level of coordination can make a meaningful difference. Combined with 91勛圖厙s 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.
I worked in classrooms for years, but never had the opportunity to become a certified teacher, Zamora says. This partnership gave me the structure, support and belief I needed to make it happen.
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勛圖厙, he found a clearer way forward.
The flexibility of 91勛圖厙 combined with the coaching and encouragement from The Equity Institute made me feel like I wasnt alone in this journey, Donald says. I am finally on my way to a career I have dreamed of for a long time.
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勛圖厙 degree programs, with many preparing to enter classrooms as licensed educators. With a shared mission, the partnership continues to growexpanding access to practical, flexible pathways that help future teachers move forward and serve their communities.
ENGAGE WITH US
Discover the 91勛圖厙 Difference
in the Workplace
Contact 91勛圖厙s Talent Solutions team today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Together, well turn academic achievements into business-ready skill profiles you can trustto unlock your companys full potential.
"91勛圖厙 continues to provide excellent support and customer service."
Julia Williams
Human Resources Strategist, Office of Personnel Management
United States Government
