From Dream to Classroom: Expanding STEM Teaching
For many aspiring educators, the dream to teach begins with a sense of purpose: a desire to inspire curiosity, nurture potential and change lives. Yet for many, the path to the classroom is blocked by barriers such as financial strain, limited access to flexible programs and a lack of belonging.
The Dream to Teach initiative from Beyond100K aims to change that. Beyond100K is a multi-sector network addressing the national imperative to train science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers, and as a continuing partner with the network, WGU’s School of Education is proud to be helping reimagine and expand pathways into the teaching profession.
“Charting a Path for Those Who Dream to Teach,” a recent report published through Beyond100K’s Dream to Teach initiative, calls on universities, policymakers and nonprofit partners to work together to strengthen teacher preparation with equity, quality and sustainability at its core.
Among the field leaders who guided this project is Corrie Canaday, senior director of Academic Operations at the School of Education. Having worked closely with Canaday and seeing her dogged determination to remove systemic barriers for aspiring educators, we are grateful that she has helped drive WGU’s student-centered, competency-based approach to teacher preparation.
“Turning the ‘dream to teach’ into reality takes more than passion. It requires meaningful support that makes teaching truly accessible and sustainable,” said Canaday. “Through efforts such as Dream to Teach, WGU is helping future educators find their path to the classroom and empowering them to make a difference for their students.”
The report identifies several key levers for transforming the teacher pipeline, including addressing financial obstacles that prevent candidates from persisting and completing their degrees. WGU is highlighted as a model for tackling this challenge through affordable tuition and extensive financial support. In 2025 alone, WGU awarded more than $65 million in scholarships to over 23,000 students, with 75% of funding going to historically underserved groups. Nearly $2.5 million was distributed as emergency aid, helping students maintain academic continuity and reducing stress during critical moments in their lives.
The Dream to Teach initiative underscores that cultivating a strong, diverse educator workforce requires collaboration across higher education, K–12 systems and community organizations. WGU’s involvement in this work aligns with our mission to expand access to high-quality education and to empower more individuals to achieve their professional goals, especially in fields that impact future generations.
To learn more about the Dream to Teach project and how WGU is helping redefine pathways into STEM teaching, visit Beyond100K’s Dream to Teach resource.
