A Message from the Interim Dean
Welcome to the Eriksson College of Education!
There are many exciting things happening in our College. Our programs continue to gain national buzz and lead the way across the state. The Grow Your Own Teacher Residency — the first federally registered teacher apprenticeship in the nation — now serves 11 school districts with more than 210 students. The Aspiring Administrator Preparation Network (AAPN), our master's degree in Educational Leadership Studies, received $960,000 in federal funding in 2024-25. This program offers a path to school leadership with mentoring, job-embedded components and opportunities to complete the accelerated degree at a low cost. Our Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) program is growing, with five concentrations and distinguished graduates serving in a variety of leadership positions in both K-12 and higher education settings
These programs continue to differentiate us from other educator preparation providers, thanks to our faculty and staff who dream bigger and are willing to rethink what teacher education looks like today.
School and community partnerships are central to our mission of addressing district needs. We developed the Sumner County Schools THRIVE program through active listening and collaboration. The THRIVE program is a job-embedded pathway where district-hired teachers complete Austin Peay coursework locally or online while earning their teaching licensure. This program is just one way we partner with school districts to meet regional needs and strengthen our educator workforce.
The Eriksson College of Education prepares dynamic teachers and educational leaders to positively impact communities and schools in the 21st century. We invite you to be a part of this important work.
I encourage you to explore our website and discover all that the College has to offer.
Whether you are a prospective or current student, an alumnus, a professional colleague, or a community member, we welcome your inquiries and feedback.
#GovsTeach
John McConnell III, Ph.D.
Interim Dean
Eriksson College of Education
