College Access Partnerships

The Empowering Teacher Learning Professional Learning Project is an innovative research initiative that focuses on shifting the way teachers engage with professional learning in rural, western North Carolina. Traditional forms of professional development are district-directed, time-based, and adhere to a “one-size-fits-all” model. ETL offers an alternative that is teacher-directed and competency-based that is known as the Teacher-Directed Professional Learning (TDPL) model.

“When teachers are given choice and support in their professional learning, they will select opportunities for growth that meet the needs of themselves, their students, and their communities.”

In this initiative, teachers aren't mere participants; they're active partners in their own professional growth. Empowered with opportunities to earn licensure renewal credits (CEUs) and monetary stipends, teachers have agency to tailor their individual learning journeys. Through an innovative approach leveraging online platforms and competency-based micro-credentials, educators can enhance their skills in a manner that suits their unique needs and preferences. What truly distinguishes ETL is its collaborative ethos. Bringing together the expertise and resources of NC Schools, App State, NCDPI, Digital Promise, and NC State, this initiative embodies the collective belief that empowering teachers yields benefits that extend far beyond the confines of the classroom. By granting educators the autonomy and support to shape their learning trajectory, the ripple effects are felt not only by teachers themselves but also by their students and the wider community.