Program to combat teacher shortage in Tenn. expanded for WGU

NASHVILLE — Western Governors University (WGU) is pleased to announce that its students can now apply for the Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship, a loan-scholarship designed to assist aspiring teachers and combat the state’s teacher shortage.

The scholarship program, which began in 2023, was expanded this year to include WGU with the passage of HB2180 and SB2659 in the most recent legislative session. With the scholarship, juniors and seniors who attend a Tennessee approved education preparation program (EPP) provider institution, such as WGU Teachers College, can receive financial assistance if they agree to either work in a high-need public school in the state or teach a subject with a critical shortage of educators. Both options involve a four-year commitment.

“Now more than ever, Tennessee schools can use all the support they can get,” said Kimberly Estep, WGU Tennessee chancellor and Southeast regional vice president. “We are thrilled that students attending WGU or planning to attend WGU have the opportunity to receive additional financial support to achieve their dreams and, in turn, address crucial educational needs in our state.”

The program comes as Tennessee battles an ongoing teacher shortage. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, the state needs over 1,200 more teachers to fill current vacancies, especially in high-need areas. In addition, TN.gov

lists 35 counties as distressed or at risk. WGU hopes to play a role in changing that.

In the last 20 years, WGU’s Teachers College has conferred degrees to more than 91,000 graduates across all 50 states, with nearly 3,300 of those in Tennessee. The Teachers College has partnered with more than 2,600 school districts and more than 500 community colleges nationwide, including more than 20 in Tennessee. With the Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship, the university has yet another way to serve its students and the state.

WGU’s online model provides a broad portfolio of dozens of degree pathways in a student-centered, competency-based model with flexible scheduling to learn where and when students want within each six-month term. This enables students to progress through their courses as soon as they demonstrate skills mastery.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Sept. 1. For more information, visit CollegeForTN.org. To learn more about WGU’s Teachers College and its academic programs, go to WGU.edu.