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To address teacher shortage, Drury and Ozarks Tech streamline transfer process
In an effort to help curb the teacher shortage in Missouri, Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College have updated their longstanding transfer agreement.
Students from Ozarks Tech who complete an associate degree in teacher education will be able to start as a junior at Drury.
Those students will be eligible to Drury's teacher certification program once they've completed 12 or more credit hours at the university with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
'Missouri students need well-trained educators and we are partnering to make this avenue to certification as smooth as possible,' said Natalie Precise, dean of Drury's School of Education, in a news release.
'Our partnership with Ozarks Tech has always allowed our shared students an opportunity to complete their teacher certification in a flexible and personalized way."
Precise said the partnership allows for a "smoother transfer" from Ozark Tech's Teacher Education program to Drury's School of Education & Child Development.'
Students who enroll in Drury's day school program can major in elementary education; middle school language arts, math, science or social studies; or secondary education. They can also minor in special education.
'This renewed partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Missouri's teacher workforce,' Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Tech, in a release.
'By beginning their academic journey at Ozarks Tech and continuing at Drury, students have access to an affordable, high-quality pathway that leads directly into the classroom and into careers that truly matter.'
More: Ozarks Tech, Drury create path to help students access engineering, cybersecurity careers
Both institutions are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and recognize credits earned from other regionally accredited colleges and universities.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Drury and Ozarks Tech streamline transfer process for future teachers
