The Changing Face of Teacher Preparation: How Teachers of Tomorrow Is Setting a New Standard
In today’s rapidly shifting education landscape, the conversation around teacher preparation has reached a critical point. Across the country, school districts are grappling with severe teacher shortages.Based on its 2025 report, the Learning Policy Institute estimates that approximately 411,000 positions across the United States were either unfilled or filled with a teacher without full certification. This represents a staggering 1 in 8 positions nationally. Some of the hardest-hit areas are in high-need subjects like special education, math, and science[1].The reality is that not enough young people are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in teaching to meet the demand—a trend that has worsened over the past decade.
This shortage has pushed school systems to rethink how teachers are certified, trained, and supported. One proven solution is the alternative teacher certification model, which allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching field to enter the classroom through structured, accredited training. By tapping into this pool of career changers, states can address staffing shortfalls without lowering standards.
The Rise of a New Teacher Preparation Leader
Among the organizations stepping up to meet this challenge, Teachers of Tomorrow (ToT) stands out—not only as a pioneer in alternative certification but as an innovator redefining quality under new leadership and ownership. Now led by Dr.Heath Morrison, a nationally recognized superintendent and National Superintendent of the Year, and backed by The Rise Fund, one of the world’s leading impact investment groups, ToT has renewed its commitment to effectiveness, candidate outcomes, and long-term success.
But certification is only the first step. Once in the classroom, teachers need access to continuous learning to refine their skills, adapt to new challenges, and stay inspired. That is where SimpleK12 (SK12) comes in. With thousands of online professional development courses, live webinars, and a vibrant educator community, SK12 ensures teachers keep growing long after certification. Together, ToT and SK12 create a seamless pathway:preparing teachers for day one and supporting them every day after.
Rebuilding for Today’s Educators
ToT’s program has been redesigned to reflect current best practices in online learning, pedagogy, and classroom management, while keeping flexibility at its core. The curriculum is built for working adults, making it possible to move toward certification while balancing career and family responsibilities.
Every candidate is paired with a seasoned field supervisor, a veteran educator who provides personalized coaching in lesson planning, classroom culture, and behavior management. This mentorship ensures candidates are truly “classroom ready” before they take on their own students.
Industry-Leading Candidate Support
One of the most significant changes under Dr. Morrison’sleadership is a major expansion of candidate support:
- Live support hours extended until 7 p.m. on weekdays
- Weekly live office hours with instructors for real-time Q&A
- 24/7 AI chat and after-hours AI voice support
Unlike many programs that end live support at 5 p.m. andclose even earlier on Fridays, ToT’s approach reflects the reality of modernteacher candidates, many of whom are balancing full-time work and family lifewhile pursuing certification.
Results That Make a Difference
Since its founding, Teachers of Tomorrow has certified more than 85,000 teachers nationwide2. In Texas alone, ToT has produced 43 percent of all newly certified teachers over the past five years.
Data from the Texas Education Agency confirms that ToT leads the state’s largest educator preparation programs in employment rates and1-year, 3-year, and 5-year teacher retention rates, which are critical measures of program quality and district impact3.
Today, more than 3,100 school districts across the U.S. hire ToT-certified teachers, making the program one of the most trusted sources for classroom-ready educators4.
“Teaching is truly the ‘Role of a Lifetime,’ and the impactof a single educator is immeasurable. On average, a teacher influences over3,000 students throughout their career. That is why we must ensure everyteacher enters the classroom fully prepared,” said Dr. Morrison.
A Model for the Future
Teachers of Tomorrow is proving that alternative certification can be both rigorous and accessible, offering a blueprint for how programs across the country canrespond to teacher shortages while maintaining the highest standards.
By pairing ToT’s innovative program design with SimpleK12’s ongoing professional development, educators gain more than just certification.They gain a long-term support system that helps them stay confident, effective, and committed to teaching. Together, ToT and SK12 are redefining what teacher preparation can — and should — look like for the future of education.
Learn more about Teachers of Tomorrow here.
1 Learning Policy Institute. (2025). An Overview ofTeacher Shortages: 2025 [Fact sheet].
3 Based on top3 EPPs by volume of new hires in 2024/2025.
4 Data on file
