Designing College–District Learning Networks to Build and Sustain the Future Educator WorkforceSession SummaryIn a time when schools are navigating increasing complexity and evolving workforce needs, Colleges of Education and regional districts have a powerful opportunity to deepen their partnership and strengthen the educator pipeline together. This half-day session centers on the intentional design of professional learning networks that bring regional leaders, faculty, and practitioners into community, aligning local workforce priorities with the expertise of Colleges of Education to create coherent bridges from pre-service preparation to in-service induction and long-term retention.Grounded in the belief that no single institution can solve these challenges alone, this session highlights the transformative potential of shared responsibility. Participants will explore how collaborative networks can harness collective expertise, elevate regional strengths, and build sustainable systems that support educators across every stage of their professional journey. Together, we will examine how colleges and districts can co-develop networks that:
Align coursework, clinical experiences, and hiring pipelinesSupport the induction and professional growth of newly hired teachersStrengthen district and school leader capacity to coach and retain early-career educatorsRespond strategically to regional workforce shortages
Using a case example of how Minnesota State University, Mankato partnered with more than 17 regional districts to address the special education teacher shortage, we will share how the College of Education leveraged faculty expertise to design and facilitate a year-long regional network. This network was intentionally developed to increase district and school leader capacity to support the unique and complex role of special educators. The model demonstrates how targeted, sustained professional learning networks can deepen leadership understanding, strengthen induction systems, and improve retention in high-need roles.By the end of the session, attendees will map their existing partnership structures, leadership teams, and professional learning systems, then identify how to layer or “plug in” the type of network their region needs. Rather than starting from scratch, participants will leave with a practical blueprint for leveraging current structures to launch or strengthen a high-impactprofessional learning network tailored to their context.
Designed for College of Education leaders, district administrators, induction coordinators, and regional service agencies, this session moves beyond theory into actionable design—supporting regions in taking concrete steps toward shared responsibility for recruitment, preparation, induction, and sustained educator investment.
Participants will leave with:A structure for designing community-centered learning networks, connecting educators and leaders across institutions to examine shared challenges, learn from one another, and take coordinated action.New relationships with fellow participants, building a professional community to continue learning and collaboration beyond the session.A clear way to pitch and advocate for this network approach with colleagues and leaders on campuses or across organizations.
Cost per participant: By June 24, 2026, $150After June 24, 2026, $175*Group rates available upon request
Presented by:
Jennifer Iacovino
Gina Anderson