A Message from the Interim Dean
Welcome to the Eriksson College of Education!
At the Eriksson College of Education, we believe in the transformative power of education. On behalf of the college, I am honored to lead a community of scholars, educators, and students who are dedicated to shaping the future of learning. Whether you are an aspiring teacher, an experienced educator seeking to expand your impact, or a researcher passionate about driving educational innovation, you have found a home here.
Education is more than a profession — it is a calling. It is the foundation of progress, the key to opportunity, and the spark that ignites change. Our faculty are thought leaders, mentors, and advocates for educational excellence, committed to preparing the next generation of educators to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Through cutting-edge research, community partnerships, and hands-on experiences, we empower our students to be changemakers in classrooms, schools, and communities.
There are many exciting things happening in our college. Our programs continue to gain national buzz and lead the way across the state. The Grow Your Own Teacher Residency — the first federally registered teacher apprenticeship in the nation — now serves 11 school districts with more than 210 students. The Aspiring Administrator Preparation Network (AAPN), our master's degree in Educational Leadership Studies, received $960,000 in federal funding in 2024-25. This program offers a path to school leadership with mentoring, job-embedded components, and opportunities to complete the accelerated degree at a low cost. Our Doctorate of Education (EdD) program is growing, with five concentrations and distinguished graduates serving in a variety of leadership positions in both K-12 and higher education settings.
These programs continue to differentiate us from other educator preparation providers, thanks to our faculty and staff who dream bigger and are willing to rethink what teacher education looks like today.
School and community partnerships are central to our mission of addressing district needs. We developed the Sumner County Schools THRIVE program through active listening and collaboration. The THRIVE program is a job-embedded pathway where district-hired teachers complete coursework locally or online while earning their teaching licensure. This program is just one way we partner with school districts to meet regional needs and strengthen our educator workforce.
The Eriksson College of Education prepares dynamic teachers and educational leaders to positively impact communities and schools in the 21st century. We invite you to be a part of this important work. Whether you are a prospective or current student, an alumnus, a professional colleague, or a community member, we encourage you to explore our website and discover all that the College has to offer.
#GovsTeach
John R. McConnell III, Ph.D.
Interim Dean
Eriksson College of Education
