Doane University’s Innovative Educator Pathways
Flexible, job-embedded programs designed to help educators grow, lead, and innovate in today’s schools.
Doane University is expanding opportunities for educators through flexible, workforce-aligned programs that support professional growth, strengthen instructional practice, and address evolving needs in K–12 education. Through partnerships with school districts and innovative job-embedded learning models, educators can advance their credentials, build new skills, and continue serving their schools and communities while pursuing meaningful career pathways.
The Innovative Educator Pathways are currently only being offered in partnership with school districts, educational service centers, or other educational organizations. Prospective students must have been pre-selected by their employer and received an Invitation to Apply in order to apply to the Doane PRIME, PIVOT or AI for K-12 Teaching pathways.
Participating School Districts
Hoover Schrum Memorial School District 157, Freeport School District #145, Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, Peoria Public Schools #150, Beach Park School District, and the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation.
The "On-the-Job" Difference
Traditional professional development often happens in isolated workshops disconnected from daily work. On-the-job programs differ because:
| Traditional Professional Development | On-the-Job Programs |
|---|---|
| Scheduled outside of class time | Integrated into daily practice |
| Generic content | Personalized to your context |
| One -time training | Ongoing coaching and portfolio building |
| Certificate of attendance | Accredited degree or certificate |
| Theory-driven | Evidence-based demonstration |
A Pathway for Every Educator
Your Onramp to Teaching
PIVOT, Paraprofessional Intensive Vocational Onramp to Teaching, is a short-term pathway designed to prepare paraprofessionals with foundational instructional and classroom support skills while creating future opportunities for teacher preparation and apprenticeship.
Time: Complete in less than 16-weeks
Start: August or January
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Introductory Methods for Paraeducators | 3 |
| Advanced Methods for Paraeducators | 3 |
| Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
Teaching in the Age of AI
A workforce-aligned credential program designed to help educators responsibly and effectively integrate artificial intelligence into teaching, learning, and classroom practice.
Time: Complete in less than 16-weeks
Start: August or January
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into Teaching Practices | 3 |
| Classroom-Centered AI Usage to Improve Learning | 3 |
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree While Working in Schools
Preparing Responsive Innovative Modern Educators (PRIME)
A job-embedded bachelor’s degree pathway that supports paraprofessionals and school employees pursuing teacher licensure in Special Education (K–12).
Application requirements include:
Information on Licensure:Licensure is determined at the state level. Please refer to your state's Department of Education for official licensing information.
Your Onramp to Teaching
PIVOT, Paraprofessional Intensive Vocational Onramp to Teaching, is a short-term pathway designed to prepare paraprofessionals with foundational instructional and classroom support skills while creating future opportunities for teacher preparation and apprenticeship.
Time: Complete in less than 16-weeks
Start: August or January
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Introductory Methods for Paraeducators | 3 |
| Advanced Methods for Paraeducators | 3 |
| Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
Teaching in the Age of AI
A workforce-aligned credential program designed to help educators responsibly and effectively integrate artificial intelligence into teaching, learning, and classroom practice.
Time: Complete in less than 16-weeks
Start: August or January
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into Teaching Practices | 3 |
| Classroom-Centered AI Usage to Improve Learning | 3 |
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree While Working in Schools
Preparing Responsive Innovative Modern Educators (PRIME)
A job-embedded bachelor’s degree pathway that supports paraprofessionals and school employees pursuing teacher licensure in Special Education (K–12).
Application requirements include:
Information on Licensure:Licensure is determined at the state level. Please refer to your state's Department of Education for official licensing information.
Faculty
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