Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has been chosen as one of five Michigan universities to participate in the 2026 Education Preparation Provider (EPP) Collaborative. This two-year statewide initiative aims to improve teacher recruitment, retention, and preparation quality to better equip future educators for the needs of students.
The collaborative is led by the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI), working with edPrep Partners and 2Revolutions. The other participating institutions are Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University, and Western Michigan University.
“Our participation in the EPP Collaborative reflects our strategic commitment to educational innovation,” said Ryan Gildersleeve, dean of the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University. “This initiative will create a data-informed system for teacher preparation that serves the complex needs of Michigan districts. We are eager to begin this work in collaboration with our fellow higher-ed institutions, K-12 districts and MEWI.”
The collaborative will focus on creating scalable models for educator preparation through stronger partnerships between university programs and P-12 school districts. Over two years, it will emphasize access and affordability for candidates, improved retention rates, and high-quality clinical pre-service experiences.
Nikolai Vitti, superintendent for Detroit Public Schools Community District, stated: “The data over the last decade on teacher preparation and retention tells us we must evolve. This Collaborative is an important opportunity to carefully examine and significantly improve how we prepare educators. This statewide effort means our universities are committed to leading the change and evolution of teacher preparation in Michigan.”
By sharing data among all parties involved—including national partners—the EPP Collaborative intends to identify gaps in candidate readiness and implement developmental models across coursework and classroom experience. It also aims to strengthen mentor teacher experiences and align university instruction with district frameworks.
MEWI will coordinate resources for this initiative so that participating education providers can share practices based on results. Each institution receives $100,000 in funding from project partners.
Universities involved will benefit from technical assistance such as individualized coaching, project management support, guidance—both virtual or onsite—and recognition as leaders shaping future teacher preparation while building strong district partnerships.
Progress will be measured using edPrep Partners’ Performance Framework across four areas: program leadership; candidate development; educator practices; and district-program partnerships. The framework is designed so improvements continue beyond the initial two-year period.
Jack Elsey, founding partner and CEO of MEWI said: “Collectively, these five universities provide Michigan public schools with nearly 40% – over 1,000 – new teachers each year. We’re excited to work with each of them to improve the state’s educator workforce for years to come.”
Eastern Michigan University began as a teachers college in 1849 before expanding into a comprehensive public university offering more than 200 undergraduate majors/minors alongside graduate programs across several fields including education—a field where it has received national recognition according to its official website. EMU maintains its primary campus in Ypsilanti but also extends educational access through online programs and partnerships [source].
For further information about EMU’s history or academic offerings visit their official website.
