Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) and Miami University  together announce an expansion of the pilot TEACh Cincinnati, a partnership program designed to address the critical teacher shortage, while also increasing diversity among educators.

As school districts across the nation struggle to retain teachers, TEACh Cincinnati (or Transformative Educators Advocating Change) is an investment in Cincinnati that creates a pipeline and support system for diverse teachers. The program provides academic, social and financial support for students interested in pursuing a teaching career beginning at the high school level. To help grow a diverse workforce, the program also aims to recruit prospective teachers of color capable of understanding the social and cultural challenges that many students in urban districts often face.

“Having worked in education for almost 30 years, first as a teacher, I’m incredibly excited for this step in our partnership with Miami University,” said Iranetta Wright, CPS Superintendent. “The expansion of the program allows CPS students to not only have the opportunity to immerse themselves in meaningful, continued education at Miami University, but also gain the experience needed to ensure they are prepared to successfully return to CPS as our next generation of teachers.” 

The program, first piloted at Aiken High School, will expand to all CPS high schools over the next 5 years, giving more students the opportunity to explore education as a career field, complete College Credit Plus courses before attending Miami University and earn scholarship funding and field experiences through Miami’s Department of Teaching, Curriculum and Educational Inquiry. After completing the program, graduates also receive preferred hiring status at CPS. The expansion begins this year at Oyler School and Withrow University High School.

“Great communities need great schools, and great schools need great teachers,” said Jason Lane, Dean of Miami’s College of Education, Health, and Society (EHS). “To address the teacher shortage, we need a systemic solution. TEACh Cincinnati recruits students early in their educational journey, supports them throughout high school and college, prepares them to teach in an urban environment and works to retain them through retirement.”

The expansion of the pilot program is a result of Miami’s more than 15 years of engaged work in local Cincinnati neighborhoods and the successful pilot program at Aiken High School. As a result of the pilot program, in 2022 CPS graduated seven students who matriculated to Miami to pursue degrees and careers in teaching. Additionally, CPS students in the TEACh Cincinnati pipeline receive dedicated Miami scholarships and grants to support students in the cost of attendance, including up to full tuition cost coverage.

The program will roll out to more CPS high schools over the next year, with the goal to have a program at every CPS high school in the near future.