Countryside Academy’s Path to Teacher Certification Success: A Leader’s Perspective

For many charter schools across Michigan, access to high-quality, certified teachers can be a constant challenge. At Countryside Academy, a K-12 public charter school, this challenge has been met head-on with the support of the Professional Innovators in Education program. Sarah Brookshire, Countryside Academy's Lead Administrator, recently shared how the program has helped strengthen their teaching staff and support aspiring educators in meaningful ways.

Supporting Working Teachers

For many educators entering the field through alternative certification programs, balancing full-time teaching with coursework can be daunting. According to Brookshire, Professional Innovators has found the right balance.

“The format offered is do-able for a working teacher. At times, it may feel overwhelming, but nothing that a teacher can’t get through,” she shared.

She also praised the MTTC study skills sessions, an added support offered by Professional Innovators to help candidates pass Michigan’s required certification exam. Brookshire notes that "encouraging candidates to make use of the MTTC study skill sessions that are offered by Professional Innovators is important."

Countryside provides exceptional support for candidates enrolled in their program. Their assistance goes above and beyond including covering tuition support, MTTC exam costs, giving candidates flexible time off for coursework, and even direct help from leadership with MTTC preparation.

The numbers speak volumes: Countryside currently has 10 candidates in the Professional Innovator Cohorts and 4 program completers actively teaching. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent tangible impact on students and school culture.

“Professional Innovators has kept us afloat with certified teachers. Some of our strongest classroom teachers are graduates of the program," said Brookshire.

A Program That Understands Charter Schools

Brookshire emphasized how important it is for charter schools like Countryside Academy to partner with organizations that understand their unique needs. “Countryside appreciates that Professional Innovators has ties to MAPSA and the specialization to charter schools,” she shared. “Not everyone in the education world respects charters, but I trust that our applicants are treated fairly by Professional Innovators.”

A Recommendation to Fellow School Leaders

For any school leader exploring how to grow and retain strong teaching staff, Brookshire has a clear recommendation: “I would highly recommend Professional Innovators to any school leader. Funding the program for your teachers removes the initial barrier for staff members.”

Countryside Academy’s experience with the program is a powerful example of how targeted support, practical programming, and respect for the charter school mission can come together to create real opportunities for educators and real results for students.

If you're a school leader looking to develop a pipeline of dedicated, certified teachers, Professional Innovators in Education may be the partner you're looking for. Learn More.