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Tag: AEL Director Alice Whalen

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ECC Launches Education Apprenticeship to Strengthen Local Workforce

April 4, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College is opening a new door to careers in education through a teacher apprenticeship initiative aimed at strengthening the local workforce and addressing the statewide teacher shortage.

The College is launching pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways that combine coursework, hands-on experience, and grant-funded support to create a practical route for individuals interested in becoming educators.

For more information about ECC’s Teacher Education Apprenticeship Program, email: teacher.apprentice@eastcentral.edu

These programs are designed to support those just beginning their education journey, as well as adults considering a career change—providing opportunities to work in education without leaving the community.

“One of the main ideas behind our Teacher Apprenticeship Model is multiple entry points with defined assistance along the way.  Whether someone is just starting their education journey or considering a career change, this program makes it more accessible to become a certified teacher in our service area,” said Greg Stotler, ECC Teacher Education Coordinator.

“We’re helping people build a future in the teaching profession in our community while they continue to work in crucial support roles in our schools within those communities.”

The pre-apprenticeship options prepare participants for success in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship and include roles such as:

  • Substitute Teacher
  • Paraprofessional
  • Teacher Assistant

Participants can earn certifications and gain valuable experience in local classrooms while continuing their education through ECC’s degree programs:

  • Associate of Arts in Education
  • Associate of Arts in Teaching
  • Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

In partnership with ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the College also received official approval from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer an Integrated Education and Training (IET) course. This course provides immediate access to substitute teacher and paraprofessional credentials and can be combined with high school equivalency preparation or academic skill development as needed.

The success of ECC’s teacher apprenticeship initiative is the result of collaboration among several departments at the College. The Center for Workforce Development, AEL and the Education pathway are working together to build accessible, high-quality pathways for future educators. This effort is being led by Stotler, Todd Tracy, Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development; and Alice Whalen, Director of Adult Education and Literacy.

The apprenticeship pathway includes benefits such as:

  • Paid work experience in education-related roles
  • Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED
  • Substitute teacher credentials
  • U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion
  • Up to $500 in support for qualifying pre-apprenticeship participants

This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort through the Missouri – Southeast Pathways to Work (MoSEPWork) consortium, a collaboration of five colleges working to improve access to innovative pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in three high-demand sectors: teacher education, nursing, and advanced manufacturing.

MoSEPWork Consortium:

  • Jefferson College (Lead Institution)
  • East Central College
  • Mineral Area College
  • Three Rivers College
  • Central Methodist University

The project is funded by a $3.99 million U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America – Round 2 (ABA2) grant. East Central College’s portion of the funding totals $793,775 and will support program development through June 2028. The ECC grant budget includes:

  • Personnel, Fringe & Travel: $324,182
  • Equipment (including a 5-Axis Mill for Precision Manufacturing): $99,230
  • Contractual Services, Tuition & Outreach: $298,202
  • Indirect Costs: $72,161

Detainees in orange jumpsuits sit at white tables in a classroom setting, working on laptops.

ECC, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Provide GED Program for Detainees

February 3, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Crawford County detainees now have a new opportunity to turn their time behind bars into a steppingstone for success.

Through a partnership between the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and East Central College, detainees can work toward earning their GED while incarcerated, equipping them with valuable skills for a fresh start after release.

Administered through ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the initiative helps detainees prepare for and take the Missouri Department of Education’s HiSET exam. Participants are tested in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing—core subjects required to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Detainees in orange jumpsuits sit at white tables in a classroom setting, guided by AEL instructors

Jail Administrator Lt. Tammy Peart, who is spearheading the program, emphasized the importance of education in reducing recidivism and improving employment prospects.

“Many detainees lack basic academic credentials, which hinders their ability to obtain stable employment or pursue higher education,” Peart said. “By introducing the GED program, our office aims to help them achieve personal and professional goals, including securing full-time employment and reducing recidivism rates.”

Since its launch, the program has seen strong participation, with five students currently prepared to take the HiSET exam. Due to high demand, a waitlist has formed. To expand access, study guides and mock exams have been added to detainee tablets, allowing individuals to study at their own pace.

ECC’s AEL Director Alice Whalen highlighted the transformative power of education in rehabilitation efforts.

“Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” Whalen said. “This program is more than just earning a diploma—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and providing a second chance for those who need it most.”

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses, recognizing that providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

“The ultimate goal is to give detainees the tools they need to build a stable and self-sufficient future,” Peart added. “By investing in their personal development, we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to safer communities.”

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office underscores a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By offering detainees the opportunity to earn their GED, the program serves as a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

“Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” Whalen said. “This program is more than just earning a diploma—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and providing a second chance for those who need it most.”

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses. Providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

“The ultimate goal is to give detainees the tools they need to build a stable and self-sufficient future,” Peart added. “By investing in their personal development, we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to safer communities.”

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office reflects a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By providing detainees with the opportunity to earn their GED, the program offers a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

To learn more about ECC’s AEL program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/, email ael@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.