ALMA — Alma College’s Teacher Education Preparation Advisory Committee (TEPAC) recently brought together a diverse group of education leaders from across mid-Michigan, illustrating the college’s commitment to preparing educators who are classroom-ready from day one.

The meeting included superintendents, principals, classroom teachers, special education professionals, and Alma alumni now working in partner districts. Together, they provided feedback, shared expertise, and helped shape the college’s teacher preparation programs.

TEPAC is an active, ongoing partnership that helps shape and strengthen our teacher preparation programs in real time, said Peggy Yates, associate professor of education at Alma College. The feedback we receive from educators in the field, in this bi-annual meeting, directly informs how we prepare our candidates, ensuring they are ready for today’s classrooms. We’re not preparing teachers in isolation — we’re working side by side with the schools and leaders who provide the clinical experience for our candidates and may ultimately employ our graduates.

While TEPAC fulfills an important accreditation requirement, the committee’s work extends far beyond compliance. For Alma graduates, the benefits of this approach are tangible.

Dalanie Mott, a member of the Class of 2025 and now a teacher at Breckenridge Elementary, credits Alma with equipping her for the challenges and rewards of the classroom. Alma did a great job right away, Mott said. First year, they get you in the classroom — not just learning about it, but immediately integrating you with it — so pretty early on, you know if it’s for you or not. You can start the day having all these lesson plans ready to go, and then one situation can change the course of the whole day.

Alma Public Schools Superintendent Stacey Criner highlighted the program’s impact: The partnership and the purpose of opportunities like this is for authentic reflection on the college creating a product ready for the real world, she said.

Criner said that Alma graduates often enter classrooms with a unique advantage, having already built relationships with local educators and gained familiarity with district curricula: They’ve already been in our schools…they’ve already bonded with our teaching staff. They have mentors right here on campus and they’re familiar with all of our curriculum. So it’s kind of a perfect future employee for us.

TEPAC exemplifies Alma College’s mission to bridge preparation and practice. By bringing together educators at every level, the committee provides a platform for reflection, innovation, and continuous improvement. Feedback informs the development of assessment rubrics, clinical instruments, and curriculum alignment, ensuring candidates are prepared for the evolving demands of regional schools.

Alma College’s preparation program aims to continue to assist Michigan school districts to alleviate the ongoing teacher shortage. With more than 140 students actively pursuing teaching degrees, the program is led by faculty bringing more than 230 years of classroom experience in every grade level.

Through hands-on leadership opportunities, strong mentorship, and immersive learning experiences, including the popular Immersive Storytelling at Walt Disney World Spring Term course, Alma prepares graduates who are confident, adaptable, and ready to succeed in today’s classrooms.

TEPAC is much more than a committee, Yates said. It’s about shaping educators who can thrive in real classrooms while building lasting partnerships that make Alma College distinctive and impactful.