This project strengthens the EKU School of Education-Model Lab School partnership.
Research methods and early findings
School of Education faculty are building a revitalized partnership with Model Laboratory School in which teacher candidates take the first year of Education courses in a working P-12 school, allowing candidates to have embedded clinical experiences during their first two semesters at EKU. The research team is led by Dr. Pete Edwards and includes Dr. Ashlee Smethers, Dr. Jason Miller, Dr. Heather Campbell, and Dr. Christopher Budano. The pilot study(also called the Model pilot), completed in Spring 2026, uses both student surveys and interviews to compare the embedded cohort model against traditional in-person and online course formats in which candidates complete clinical experiences on their own time and in different schools. Candidates in the embedded cohort reported significantly greater opportunities to learn both classroom instructional skills (like lesson delivery) and non-instructional skills (like handling a fire drill or navigating school culture), along with deeper classroom discussions, more confidence in observation, and stronger bonds with their peer cohort, compared to candidates in other course formats.
Research impact
These early research findings provide a relevant, replicable template for strengthening Kentucky’s teacher pipeline using an existing university-school relationship to directly address statewide teacher shortage concerns. This project strengthens the EKU School of Education-Model Lab School partnership, and allows teacher candidates to apply coursework in a real classroom from day one, while building relationships with mentor teachers and peers. The success of the pilot program at Model has demonstrated that embedding first-year Education coursework in P-12 schools has the potential to positively impact teacher preparation in Kentucky and around the country.
Implications for practice
For teacher educators:
For school leaders:
Plans for future research
The Model pilot completed a highly successful first year and the second cohort of EKU teacher candidates has started taking first-year courses at Model this fall. The research team will be tracking candidates in the Model cohort longitudinally to see if this experience is related to later entry into the teaching profession. The research team is excited to continue gathering data on the experiences of teacher candidates as they prepare for future careers in education, while looking to expand this program to other school buildings.
Dr. Peter Edwards, Assistant Professor