UM-Flint's Educator Development Program empowers future educators through personalized support

The Morris Hood, Jr. Educator Development Program at the University of Michigan-Flint is transforming the educational journeys of aspiring teachers by providing comprehensive support systems that address their academic and personal needs. Through personalized coaching, wellness resources and community engagement opportunities, MHED creates pathways to success for students who might otherwise face significant barriers to completing their degrees. The program's impact can be seen in the stories of students like Jackie Clark and Nathan Malone, whose educational experiences have been profoundly shaped by the support they've received.

MHED represents a vital component of the larger King-Chavez-Parks Initiative, designed to increase completion rates of academically or economically disadvantaged students. At UM-Flint, the program focuses on supporting education majors who are Michigan residents and face various challenges to becoming teachers. By providing tailored resources throughout students' college journeys, MHED aims to increase student graduation and retention rates and prepare them to become effective educators in Michigan classrooms.

"The goal is to help students who are majoring in education succeed in and out of the classroom," said MHED program manager Bianca Torbert. "This is accomplished by providing invaluable support, fostering a sense of belonging, and offering resources that help students grow both academically and personally. We want to see our students thrive and ultimately make it to graduation." 

That comprehensive approach includes success coaching, personal wellness support, community engagement opportunities, networking events, financial literacy education and study skills development.  

"I really enjoy working on our team and supporting the MHED program for education students," said RoShawndra Opara, program associate. "After 30-plus years working in education myself, it is exciting to encourage students and provide resources to help them make it to the finish line–graduation!"  

For Jackie Clark, a 35-year-old single mother of two pursuing an elementary education degree, the MHED Program has become much more than just an academic support system. Clark, who balances her studies with motherhood and work as an elementary aide and coach, found practical assistance and emotional support through the program.

"Bianca and RoShawndra have changed my life in such a short amount of time," Clark said. "Just being able to sit and talk with them helped me more than I think they even knew. They are great to work with, talk things out, and just help you find what you may be looking for."

The journey hasn't been without challenges for the UM-Flint junior from Lapeer. "Being a single mother is challenging. I often face negative opinions from others. Balancing my schoolwork and being a loving mom can feel overwhelming," Clark said. "Sometimes, I question my decisions and worry if I'm doing enough for my daughters. But my daughters' joy and love motivate me to chase my dreams and set a good example for them. Their laughter, curiosity, and strength remind me of how important education is and how powerful it is to keep going."

Despite these challenges, Clark finds strength in her personal support system and MHED. One significant experience came during a difficult semester. "The best moment was when I went to see Bianca and RoShawndra and just needed a little guidance," she said. "To my embarrassment, I just melted into a puddle and started to cry because they were just extremely helpful and listened to me. In that moment, that was all I really needed."

Nathan Malone brings a different background and perspective to the program. As an elementary education major, Malone is driven by his own positive experiences as a young student and his desire to create similar environments for future generations. "If magic exists, it's with kids. There's something so magically rejuvenating about the elementary environment," he said. 

His love for elementary education, which started at a young age, continues to inspire the sophomore from Flushing. "I want nothing more than to teach kids," Malone said. "I want to give them the elementary education that filled me with wonder when I was a kid. If I'm at all successful, I might just catch a glimpse of that same wonder in their eyes."

For Malone, MHED has consistently supported him throughout his time at UM-Flint. "Bianca and RoShawndra have shown nothing but kindness and availability for me. No matter the concern, be it with grades, assignments, financial or personal needs, they have made it abundantly clear that they will hear you and help you," he said.

This support extended beyond academic guidance. MHED staff was there when Malone needed assistance with applying for emergency funds to repair his car, ensuring he could continue commuting to campus. "They played a big part in helping me secure emergency funds that have gone toward fixing my car so that I may continue to commute to campus," he said.

Clark and Malone said the most valuable aspect of the program is the consistent presence of supportive staff who listen and respond to their needs. This model of support has not only helped them navigate their education but has also influenced how they envision their future roles as educators.

Clark reflected on how her experiences will shape her teaching career: "The diverse experiences I have encountered throughout my life have significantly shaped my character, making me a more empathetic individual and an attentive listener. As I prepare for my future role as an educator, I recognize that these qualities are essential."

Similarly, Malone plans to incorporate the supportive approach he's experienced through MHED into his teaching philosophy. "Just knowing that there's always someone there for me, someone to hear me, fight for me, and point me in the right direction has been priceless," he said. "This is something I will adopt when I'm an educator. My students will know that I'm always available for them, even if they just want to talk."

Clark also offered reassurance for students who might be hesitant about joining like she was. "I was a bit nervous at first because I thought people might judge me, but that couldn't be further from the truth," she said. "I felt so welcome in the MHED program; it was like a breath of fresh air. The support I got from everyone really helped boost my confidence, and I finally felt like I could tackle finishing my degree."

Malone's advice is even more straightforward: "Sign up. It's a free support system that asks nothing of you other than to be yourself."

As MHED  continues to expand its reach at UM-Flint, stories like those of Clark and Malone illustrate the impact that targeted support can have on students. By addressing academic and personal challenges, the program is helping individual students succeed and strengthening Michigan's future teacher workforce with diverse, resilient and empathetic educators.

For more information about MHED at UM-Flint, interested students can visit the program's webpage, email Torbert at [email protected] or stop by the Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives.