Flexible, Local, and Affordable Education
With classes offered at Lakeshore’s Cleveland campus, the UW-Green Bay Sheboygan Campus and online, students can start their journey locally beginning this fall. Enrollment is open now.
Participants will first earn an associate degree in Foundations of Teacher Education through Lakeshore, then complete a bachelor’s degree in Education with UW-Green Bay.
Meeting the Region’s Workforce Demands
The need for qualified teachers and paraprofessionals in our area is critical. Lakeshore’s research shows a projected 4% increase in demand for teaching assistants/paraprofessionals over the next decade in the Lakeshore District—surpassing the growth rates in nearby regions and statewide.
The FORWARD program is built to address this need directly, giving students a cost-effective and convenient path to an in-demand, rewarding career.
Designed for All Types of Learners
Whether you’re a high school student, recent graduate, or someone seeking a career change, FORWARD provides a direct, cost-effective path into a meaningful, in-demand teaching career. You can save on tuition, stay close to home, and make a lasting impact within your community.
“Students will be able to start with us at Lakeshore for a more affordable price tag for the first two years and then continue on with UW-Green Bay to get their bachelor’s degree to significantly reduce their cost.” – Jennifer Becker, Lakeshore’s Foundations of Teacher Education Instructor
Built with Flexibility in Mind
Leighanne Metter-Jensen, Education Pathway Coordinator for the Sheboygan Area School District and member of the Foundations of Teacher Education Advisory Board, highlights the flexibility of the FORWARD program as a key benefit for attracting future educators. She has seen firsthand the challenges in hiring and retaining talent—and sees this program as a vital step forward.
Step Into a High-Demand Career
Launched in fall 2024, Lakeshore’s Foundations of Teacher Education associate degree prepares students to become teaching assistants or paraprofessionals at various education levels in grades K-12. Out of the 60 required credits, 45 are focused specifically on education—ensuring graduates gain hands-on, relevant experience.
Graduates will be well-positioned to transition to UW-Green Bay for their bachelor’s degree and step directly into the workforce. In addition, school districts will hire substitute teachers as long as they have a minimum of an associate degree.
“We’re clamoring for quality teachers and paraprofessionals to be in the classrooms,” said Becker. “There’s a high turnover in that field in schools, so to be able to ensure that the individuals who are hired have the skills and knowledge is important and may reduce turnover.”
Facing Challenges, Gaining Rewards
Metter-Jensen acknowledges the obstacles students face—ranging from financial stress to public perception of the field. Yet the rewards of a profession in education can be significant:
- Lower student debt through affordable tuition and when you earn your degree locally, savings on transportation, room and board
- Opportunities to work as a substitute teacher
- Access to a strong state retirement system
- Competitive median salaries
Licensure and Incentives
Lakeshore College’s Foundations of Teacher Education program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), qualifying graduates for both a three-year short-term substitute teaching license and a special education program aide license. These credentials increase employability and allow graduates to make an immediate impact.
Some school districts, such as the Sheboygan Area School District and Manitowoc Public School District, are offering pay incentives for education-related positions, which aligns perfectly with the skills students gain through the program.
Teach the Next Generation—and Inspire the Future
At its heart, becoming an educator is about serving the community and building a better future. According to Becker, many individuals who enter into a career in education are servant-minded and inspired by their own experiences or are looking for meaningful second careers.
“They want to build a better tomorrow,” Becker said.
Start building your future in the classroom—right here, right now. The FORWARD program offers a unique way to grow your skills, serve your local community, and create lasting change for generations to come. Learn more about the FORWARD program at lakeshoretouwgb.com.
Note: The bachelor’s degree through the FORWARD program is pending DPI approval.
