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For nearly eight years, TEACh Cincinnati has been taking consistent and concerted steps to achieve its mission of combating the teacher shortage, while also diversifying the profession through an innovative “grow-your-own-teacher” pipeline model.

Today, its expanding efforts are not only becoming increasingly effective and visible, they are also being recognized nationally.

Because the (AACTE), one of the most important organizations for teacher education in the U.S., has selected TEACh Cincinnati as the 2025 recipient of its “Increasing Educator Diversity: Promising Practice Award.”

“There’s a lot that goes into this work, it’s not easy, and you have to be dedicated,” said Brian Schultz, associate dean for external relations and partnerships in the College of Education, Health and Society. “But working alongside the ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs, both in high schools and in college, is really gratifying. So having an organization as prominent as AACTE recognize this work is really inspiring, and all the folks who have been involved with TEACh should be really proud.”

Soon, Schultz, along with Miami ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs Teri Joyner and Jai'Nya Chinn, and TEACh Cincinnati Campus-based Coordinator Sydnie Singleton, will head to California to accept the award on behalf of the entire program, which was honored for its mission to cultivate a diverse educational workforce that works with the ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs and families of local communities by engaging in culturally responsive and relevant teaching.

“On behalf of AACTE, I am honored to congratulate ºÚÁÏÉçÇø on being selected as the recipient of the 2025 Increasing Educator Diversity: Promising Practice Award,” said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, AACTE president and CEO. “The TEACh program sets a high standard for innovation and excellence, serving as an inspiration to the entire educator preparation community for its outcomes in diversifying the Cincinnati educator workforce.”

Since its inception in 2018, TEACh Cincinnati has grown considerably across the Cincinnati Public School (CPS) district. Today, it includes eight CPS high schools, which support 350 high school ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs, and another 23 who are already enrolled in Miami’s College of Education, Health and Society (EHS).

The program first recruits ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs as early as eighth grade to expose them to careers in education. These ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs engage in college prep, take college courses and campus visits, and receive mentoring from Miami teacher preparation faculty.

Next, after high school, they gain admission to Miami’s teacher education programs in EHS, where they receive a wide range of financial, academic, and social support, while also having the opportunity to participate in Miami’s award-winning Urban Cohort program, which further prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of teaching in urban teaching environments.

Finally, after completing their four-year degree at Miami, TEACh graduates receive preferred hiring status within CPS.

“TEACh is preparing me for what I can expect when I'm in the classroom,” Chinn said. “And the Urban Cohort helps me get into schools, so I’m getting familiar with teachers, and the different environments of different buildings. I get to see how schools operate, the relationship they have within those communities, and make those connections. So when I graduate, I can go talk to someone at Rothenberg or South Avondale. Those are always options for me. I'm definitely more prepared with TEACh.”

Going forward, the program will continue expanding its vision and mission to overcome the teacher shortage, and to diversify the profession, by offering future teachers the critical support they need to succeed through strategic local partnerships, enhanced mentorship opportunities, and viable employment opportunities.

“We are so proud of the team of EHS educators and devoted staff that worked so hard to secure key partnerships with schools in Cincinnati,” said Miami Provost Liz Mullenix. “Their profound and enduring commitment inspired a program that not only provides richness and diversity to our community on campus, but also serves communities in Cincinnati, and ensures a pipeline of strong teachers equipped to help young people face the challenges of this complex world.”