Western Michigan University honored with national award for the Urban Teacher Residency Program

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development has been named the recipient of the 2026 AACTE Increasing Educator Diversity: Promising Practice Award. This prestigious national honor, granted by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), recognizes the University’s standout efforts in building a more inclusive and representative teaching workforce for Michigan schools.

WMU is being recognized for the Urban Teacher Residency Program (UTRP), an initiative designed to provide an affordable and streamlined pathway for long-term substitute teachers and paraprofessionals to earn full teaching certification. By focusing on local talent already working within the school system, the program serves Benton Harbor Area Schools and Kalamazoo Public Schools, both high-need districts. The UTRP was specifically lauded for its equity-driven strategies that go beyond simple recruitment to offer comprehensive preparation and support, ensuring that diverse teacher candidates are equipped to thrive in their careers.

The impact of the program was echoed by Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, AACTE president and CEO, who noted in a press release that the residency serves as a “powerful example of what is possible when communities and preparation programs partner to diversify the educator workforce.”

Dr. Regena Nelson, professor emeritus and UTRP director, will formally accept the award on behalf of the program at AACTE’s annual conference.

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