SU's Seidel School to Utilize TeachBridge Pathways to Support, Educate Rural Teachers

By SU Public Relations

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education has won a $50,000 award from the University of Tennessee System to implement a new alternative teaching pathway, which will help teachers who are nearing certification in Maryland.
    
Using TeachBridge Pathways: From Practice to Profession – an online, competency-based teacher preparation curriculum – SU aims to support conditionally licensed teachers, grades 7-12, in rural school districts.

“Particularly in rural parts of Maryland, like the Eastern Shore, schools are facing a drastic shortage of fully licensed teachers to fill classrooms,” said Dr. Laurie Henry, dean of the Seidel School. “Many conditionally licensed teachers face significant obstacles that hinder their ability to meet the academic requirements to reach full licensure status. Through TeachBridge, we will be able to connect with those teachers to help them achieve their goals and, in turn, create stronger learning environments for local school systems.”

SU is one of just six schools to receive this competitive award during the 2026 cycle, and one of only two outside Tennessee.

The TeachBridge program features 16 modules that can be used as standalone course programming, or incorporated into existing course programming, while allowing the flexibility for SU faculty to make the modules fit local circumstances.

One of the core tenants of TeachBridge is the competency-based aspects, which further education not just through content, but through guided clinical practice in classroom settings.

This award will allow the Seidel School to develop programming, which is expected to launch during the spring 2027 semester for a cohort of 20-25 students.

For more information about the Seidel School, visit the school’s webpage. 

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.