New agreement allows students to complete Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, plus student-teaching, locally
North Central Michigan College (NCMC) and the University of Michigan–Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) have announced a new “2+2” elementary education partnership that will expand access to teacher-preparation programs for students across Northern Michigan while strengthening the region’s education workforce.
Beginning in Fall 2026, students will be able to complete the first two years of their elementary education coursework at North Central before finishing the final two years of their Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education online through UM–Dearborn. The pathway is designed so that students can complete all required coursework and a student-teaching placement in nearby schools, eliminating the need to relocate, a barrier that can limit access for rural learners.
NCMC Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Stephen Strom describes the partnership as a thoughtful redesign of how future educators can move through their preparation.
“This pathway removes the disruption that often comes with pursuing a teaching career,” Strom said. “Students can maintain their lives, their jobs, and their community ties while advancing toward a bachelor’s degree. That stability matters, and we believe it will open the door for more graduates to step into the profession.”
UM–Dearborn officials note that the partnership aligns with the university’s commitment to preparing exemplary educators who are equipped to serve diverse communities across Michigan.
“UM-Dearborn is pleased to and proud to partner with NCMC to bring more highly trained teachers to PK-12 schools in Northern Michigan. This streamlined pathway increases access to certification for aspiring teachers and strengthens the teacher pipeline to help address Michigan’s PK-12 teacher shortage,” said Danielle DeFauw, professor of reading and language arts and chair of the Department of Education in UM-Dearborn’s College of Education, Health & Human Services.
Michele Andrews, NCMC’s dean of business, education and adjunct faculty, highlights the value of developing future teachers who already share a connection with Northern Michigan’s schools.
“When teachers complete their preparation in the same communities where they’ll eventually work, everyone benefits. They enter the classroom with a real understanding of local needs and a strong sense of belonging, qualities that make for exceptional educators,” Andrews said.
North Central’s new “2+2” elementary education pathway opens for enrollment in Fall 2026. To learn more about NCMC’s education programs, visit ncmich.edu/programs.