School Partnerships

Educator Preparation

UNC’s Educator Preparation Programs are built on strong partnerships with school districts to develop, support, and retain high-quality educators. Through collaborative initiatives, UNC creates special pathways for high school students interested in teaching careers, helping them explore the profession and transition into educator preparation programs. District partnerships also provide meaningful field placement experiences that connect candidates with diverse classrooms and experienced mentor teachers.

In addition, UNC works closely with school districts to offer professional development opportunities for in-service educators, supporting ongoing growth, leadership development, and workforce needs across the region. Together, these partnerships strengthen the educator pipeline and contribute to student success in Colorado schools.

Teacher Pathways – for high school students

UNC Teacher Preparation programs work with many schools and school districts to create special teacher pathways. These pathways help schools meet their needs and give UNC teacher candidates experience and job opportunities for the future.

Some examples include:

  • TREP – Colorado Schools
  • PTeach – St. Vrain Valley School District
  • Teacher Cadet Program – Greeley/Evans School District
  • Become a Teacher for Special Education – Poudre School District
  • Teacher Degree Apprenticeship – Aurora School District

In collaboration with UNC's Mindfulness Club, we took time to reflect on our mindfulness practices and how we can teach mindfulness in our classrooms (while making bracelets!)

Field Placement Partnerships – for teacher candidates

Field placements give UNC teacher candidates valuable hands-on experience in real schools and classrooms, connecting coursework to practice while building strong partnerships with educators and communities.

A female teacher is teaching an early childhood education class about Hispanic Heritage month

A female teacher teaching a group of students

Graduate Program School Partnerships – for in-service teachers

UNC offers in-service teachers affordable, flexible pathways to graduate degrees and endorsements through fully online programs. With courses starting at $1,000 per 3-credit course and many programs totaling $10,000 or less, educators can advance their careers while balancing work and other commitments.

Students on campus

Questions? Contact Us!