Initiative multiplies efforts to increase number of math teachers in Indy area

Purdue Global, with support from the Lilly Foundation, paves the way for paraeducators to become certified through an initiative with MathTrack Institute

Student raising a hand with a question for the teacher.

Purdue Global, with support from the Lilly Foundation, looks to increase the number of qualified math teachers in Indianapolis-area high schools through a new initiative with MathTrack Institute. (iStock photo)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global, with support from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation), looks to offer an educational solution to the ongoing shortage of qualified math educators through an initiative with MathTrack Institute.

“Investing in Indiana’s Math Teaching Pipeline” will work with the school districts of paraeducators who have been recognized as highly committed to take the next step toward becoming math teachers. The program will launch in spring 2025.

Selected paraeducators will enroll in both MathTrack’s math apprenticeship program and Purdue Global courses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies. The Lilly Foundation is providing a charitable grant to Purdue Global to support Purdue Global with efforts related to this initiative. 

“Purdue Global is known for bringing together organizations to address workforce development issues,” said Jon Harbor, Purdue Global’s interim chancellor. “The fact that we are partnering with Indianapolis-based MathTrack Institute to help paraeducators in Indianapolis upskill and transition into higher paying, stable teaching positions is a win for everyone.”

More than 13,000 degree-seeking paraeducators are in Indiana with 650,000 nationwide. MathTrack Institute believes these paraeducators are the answer to the teacher shortage across the country.

“We have had in-depth conversations with most districts in Marion County about this problem and the trend is consistent. The percentage of teaching applicants without a background in teaching continues to grow each year, often over 50% of their applicant pool,” said Kevin Berkopes, CEO of MathTrack Institute. “At the end of the day, there are people who can and want to do the job, but they face barriers to accessing formal teacher preparation and earning the credentials needed to be teachers of record. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward helping these districts increase the preparedness and qualifications of their applicant pool by creating a seamless, job-embedded pathway that empowers paraeducators to advance their careers while addressing critical needs in our schools.”

Jody DeKorte, dean of Purdue Global’s School of Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies and principal investigator, sees the initiative as a benefit for the paraeducators and school districts.

“Purdue Global is strongly committed to providing a world-class education to working adults. Our expertise in helping students earn academic credit through prior learning and our commitment to flexibility and accessibility will help these students earn a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies,” DeKorte said. “Together with MathTrack we can foster collaboration and share transformative practices that can positively impact the field for not only these students through MathTrack Institute, but also the students they will impact through education.”

DeKorte said Purdue Global’s faculty advisors and representatives from the Center for Prior Learning Recognition will work with applicants to use credit for prior learning from other institutions, apprenticeships and employers to develop a degree plan that helps paraeducators finish the degree faster at a lower cost.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.

About MathTrack

MathTrack Institute is addressing teacher shortages by empowering schools and districts to create, manage and prepare their own local teaching pipelines. Beginning with a specialization in 5-12 mathematics, MathTrack has expanded to meet demand in high-need areas like elementary education and the sciences. Through job-embedded, apprenticeship-based programs, educators receive on-the-job training leading to both a degree and teaching license. This approach equips teachers for success in the classroom, helping reduce burnout and attrition. For more information, visit www.mathtrack.co.

Purdue Global media contact: Matthew Oates, oatesw@purdue.edu, 765-496-6160, @mo_oates

MathTrack media contact: Andrew Salmon, andrew@mathtrack.co, 317-607-0416

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