Developing the Teachers of the Future
The advancement of societies and communities is built on quality education—and particularly the education of children. WGU's School of Education believes in P–12 teachers and the impact they make. Our curriculum and faculty model are designed to train and inspire educators to achieve success in the classroom, in administration, and as leaders of learning in their communities. Our programs are dedicated to helping current and aspiring teachers pursue their own education in a way that works for their busy lives—allowing them to improve the lives of students in the process.
"The School of Education is a champion of next-generation teaching, learning, and leading—a home for rising and striving teachers, learners, and leaders who want to advance their pathways to opportunity and their ability to make a difference."
—Stacey Ludwig Johnson
Senior Vice President and Executive Dean, School of Education
Educator Well-Being:
From Principles to Practice Podcast
This podcast is brought to you by Utah First Lady Abby Cox and Western Governors University Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson, facilitated by Marty Carpenter of Northbound Strategy. This limited series focuses on supporting teachers nationwide by providing strategies and resources to help educators thrive.
This podcast is designed as a discussion forum with topics important to classroom teachers as well as school district leaders and other community members who have a vested interest in the well-being of our nation’s educators. Hosts and guests will share practical advice, tips, and tools to support teachers and help them thrive. Also included in each episode are reflective questions to help expand educator expertise.
Recent Highlights
- Celebrated the 20th anniversary of “from idea to impact" in 2021 and reflected on how WGU’s School of Education has grown to become the largest school of education in the nation, with more than 67,000 alumni across the U.S. and more than 37,000 active students.
- Helped mitigate national teacher shortages due to the pandemic by serving as a vital pipeline in providing talented next-generation teachers and leaders in communities. The School of Education graduated more than 12,000 education students in 2022–while remaining steadfast in delivering high-quality academic programs and student-centered mentoring support services.
- Continued “flexing in the field” by maintaining more than 2,500 partnerships with school districts across the country to ensure that thousands of education students and demonstration teachers have access to local, high-quality, on-ground research; capstone, clinical, and student teaching experiences; and initial licensure degree programs which prepare students for licensure in all 50 states.
Collaborating to Develop the Future of Education
As one of the leading sources of teachers at both bachelor's and master's levels, WGU works with state and local school boards, departments of education, and school districts to help meet teacher needs, as well as develop education practices that improve learning. By partnering with
P–12 educators at all levels, WGU is not only a leader in child education but a trusted voice in education and a strong supporter of learning development.
Leadership
- WGU Executive Staff
- Program Council
- P-12 Advisory Council
WGU Executive Staff
Stacey Ludwig Johnson
Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education
Ph.D., University of Colorado
Education Program Council
Jennifer Carinci
Program Director, STEM Education Research
American Association for the Advancement of Science
John Conyers
President
Conyers & Associates
Lynn Gangone
President & CEO
AACTE
Cassandra Herring
President & CEO
Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity
Richard Lesh
Emeritus Rudy Distinguished Professor of Learning & Cognitive Sciences
Indiana University
Gary Natriello
Ruth L. Gottesman Prof. in Educ. Research
Columbia University
Wil Del Pilar
Vice President for Higher Education
The Education Trust
George Ann Rice
Planning Team Member
Troops to Education
Darlene Robles
Professor of Clinical Education
University of Southern California Rossier School of Education
Phil Rogers
Executive Director & CEO
NASDTEC
Michelle Weise
SVP, Workforce Strategies
Strada Education Network
P-12 Advisory Council
Lyle Ailshie
Former Education Chief
Tennessee Department of Education
Michael Dunn
Superintendent
NEW ESD 101
Jim Gay
Co-Director
OLAC Project
Jeanette Jenkins
Secondary Mentoring
Davis School District
John Pruette
Executive Director
DPI
Chris Templeton
Superintendent
Willard School District
Creating Flexibility for Teachers
Aspiring and current teachers come from all kinds of backgrounds. Our goal is to meet our students where they are, then provide them with the education they need to get where they want to be. Our curriculum is based on competencies, which provides flexibility for WGU students to move quickly through material they already know and spend extra time where they need it. And since WGU is online, students can access their course material whenever and wherever they want.
Funded Projects
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Selina Briley
Meet WGU Teachers College graduate, Selina, who was inspired by her colleages to go back to school and earn her master's degree.