Visiting Western Governors University: Growing and Evolving Pathways for Educating Teachers

On this episode of the Future U. Campus Tour, Michael and Jeff sit down with leaders from Western Governors University to learn about innovations around the university, with special attention paid to those at WGU’s fast-growing School of Education. They discuss the expansion of work-based learning with President Pulsipher and Provost Hills McBeth, examine the drivers of the Ed. School’s growth with Dean Ludwig Johnson, and hear from a WGU student (and 4th grade teacher), Madelyn Hurst, on how the college’s competency-based approach is shaping her teaching. This episode is made with the support of Western Governors University.

0:00 - Intro

03:26 - The History and Students of Western Governors University

09:48 - Drivers of WGU’s Growing Programs

16:36 - Expanding Apprenticeship-Based Degrees

20:52 - The Future of the Degree in Skills-Based World

24:10 - How AI Will Change the Work and Learning Landscape

29:47 - The Current State of K-12 Education

33:07 - How WGU has Evolved to Meet Changing Needs of Schools

36:17 - Taking the Long View

38:25 - The Downstream Effects of Competency Based Teacher Education

42:47 - The Growth of WGU’S School of Education

45:05 - How Apprenticeship is Transforming Teacher Education

47:35 - Closing Thoughts