Teachers of Tomorrow (ToT), the nation’s leading alternative teacher certification program, today announced a new partnership with The University of Olivet to create a streamlined online bachelor’s degree program for teachers who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree.
Through this collaboration, aspiring educators can finish their bachelor’s degree online while completing integrated teacher certification requirements, removing barriers that often prevent aspiring educators from entering the classroom.
Key Takeaways
- Teachers of Tomorrow and the University of Olivet are expanding access to the teaching profession for individuals without a completed bachelor’s degree.
- The fully online pathway allows candidates to complete a bachelor’s degree while progressing toward teacher certification at the same time.
- The partnership is designed to strengthen the teacher pipeline and address ongoing educator shortages nationwide.
“The teacher shortage demands bold, practical solutions,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow and former superintendent. “Too many people feel called to teach but are stopped short because they haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree. This partnership with The University of Olivet creates a clear, accessible path forward that allows aspiring educators to finish their degree, prepare for certification, and move into classrooms where they are urgently needed.”
The program is designed for individuals who have earned college credit but need a flexible, affordable option to complete their degree. Candidates enroll in an online bachelor’s degree program through The University of Olivet while completing state-approved teacher preparation through Teachers of Tomorrow. This integrated approach allows participants to build academic credentials and practical classroom readiness simultaneously.
“At Olivet, this isn’t about being the biggest; it’s about being in the right place,” said Steven Corey, president, The University of Olivet. “We know our students, we invest in them, and we help them build a future that’s real, personal, and within reach. By partnering with Teachers of Tomorrow, we are opening doors for aspiring educators who are ready to make a difference but need a realistic, supportive path to complete their degree and enter the profession.”
Teachers of Tomorrow brings more than two decades of experience preparing educators through alternative certification pathways, while The University of Olivet provides a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree program designed for adult and nontraditional learners. Together, the organizations aim to reduce friction in the journey to the classroom and help more future teachers complete what they’ve started.
To learn more about the program offered by Olivet, please visit https://www.uolivet.edu/teachers-of-tomorrow/.
About Teachers of Tomorrow
Teachers of Tomorrow is the nation’s leading alternative teacher certification program. With a mission to develop high-quality educators, Teachers of Tomorrow has certified more than 90,000 teachers who are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the country. Teachers of Tomorrow is a portfolio company of The Rise Fund, a global impact investment fund focused on driving positive social and environmental change. Learn more at www.teachersoftomorrow.org.
About the University of Olivet
Founded in 1844, The University of Olivet is a private, liberal arts institution located in Olivet, Michigan. Known for its personalized, relationship-centered approach to education, Olivet offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and online degree completion programs designed to help students turn their interests into meaningful careers. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, and social mobility, the university continues to serve a diverse student population through flexible, career-focused programs grounded in real-world learning.
