Dean Burns Represents Pennsylvania at International Teacher Apprenticeship Summit in Oxford

Dean Burns Represents Pennsylvania at International Teacher Apprenticeship Summit in Oxford

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean of the College of Education at Kutztown University, represented Pennsylvania as part of a 40-member U.S. delegation at the Teacher Apprenticeship Summit held in Oxford, England. Delegates from Pennsylvania, Colorado and Arkansas gathered for this intensive multi-day event, funded by Craft Education, to explore global models of apprenticeships and develop state-specific action plans to strengthen the educator workforce.

The Summit brought together education leaders, policymakers and workforce experts to examine how apprenticeship models - widely used in other professions - can be adapted to address teacher shortages and improve educator preparation. Participants engaged in deep learning around international apprenticeship systems, shared challenges and innovative solutions, and collaborated to design actionable strategies tailored to their states.

Burns' participation underscores Kutztown University's growing reputation as a forward-thinking institution in teacher education. Her presence at the table ensured that KU's voice - and that of the broader PASSHE system - was part of a national conversation shaping the future of educator preparation in the commonwealth and across the United States.

"Being part of this delegation was both an honor and a responsibility," Burns said. "It affirmed the importance of clinical practice and school-university partnerships as essential components of experiential learning. Our work in the College of Education is not only preparing future teachers, but it's helping to reimagine how we grow and sustain the educator workforce."

This opportunity also highlights KU's commitment to innovation and workforce development. By aligning educator preparation with real-world practice and community needs, the university is helping to build a stronger, more resilient pipeline of future teachers - starting right in KU's own backyard.