Across the U.S., a shortage of teachers, and of educators with relevant qualifications, has been building. According to Forbes, there was a shortage of 110,000 teachers in the 2023-2024 school year. By 2026, that number is expected to climb to 200,000.
That growing gap is just one of the reasons why National University (NU) is using part of a newly awarded grant to strengthen its K-12 education and teacher training programs. This past year, the university was awarded a $500,000 Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – one of just 13 organizations to do so. Notably, it’s also the first time the VA has included military and veteran spouses among its grantees, which allows NU, in turn, to support more members of the military community.
NU has long been committed to supporting education and teacher training; the Sanford College of Education is the biggest of the university’s schools, certifying 12,000 to 14,000 educators every year. It’s the oldest teacher training school in California, and one of the biggest providers of teaching certifications in the state.
That critical mass means NU can make a big impact on communities regionally, and nationally. Part of that impact is because NU is particularly suited for its military spouse and veteran students. In addition to its robust credentialing and training programs, the school also helps alumni – many of whom tend to move frequently with spousal military assignments and deployments – with credentialing in new states.
“This is an opportunity to address the nationwide teacher shortage,” said Jessica Gladney, Sr. Director of Educational Partnerships at NU.
Plus, she added, NU’s connection to veterans and the military lends it an especially well-qualified talent pipeline.
“Veterans coming into the teaching profession bring such a knowledge base and a skill set of leadership [and] discipline,” she said. “Who better…to become an educator of children than someone who has gone through the military and who can provide those skills?”
Another way that National University supports K-12 education is through Harmony Academy, a program that offers social and emotional-based curricula, resources, training, and skill-building to students, parents, educators, and school systems. The academy reimagines education with tools to build strong relationships and real-world skills like teamwork, communication, and resilience.
“The goal is to bring healthy learning and relationship skills to students everywhere, and support adult learners as they continue their educational journey,” said Scott Page, Sr. Vice President, NU.
Now, with the additional resources from the VA grant, the university can support Harmony Academy even more.
“We all know from our K-12 experiences the inspirational teachers that we had… that is where the magic happens,” said Page. “I’ve always said you can give really strong teachers any tools and they work the magic in their classrooms. That’s what National University is all about.”