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Archived on May 19, 2026
91探花 and Western Illinois University signed an agreement to create an education pathway from high school through college for completion of a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Elementary Education with Western Illinois University (WIU).
The agreement will provide an opportunity for area students to begin the Elementary Education Pathway at high schools via dual credit, complete an Associate of Arts Degree at 91探花, and complete the Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education from WIU on 91探花鈥檚 campus. Students who have already completed their associate鈥檚 degree are also eligible for this pathway to education.
鈥淗igh school students can begin this educational pathway by taking dual credit courses through 91探花, complete their Associate of Arts degree at 91探花, and then transfer to Western Illinois University to complete their Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education without ever leaving the area,鈥 said Chris Kuberski, president of 91探花.
By creating this partnership with WIU and local high schools, 91探花 provides students the opportunity to complete their coursework and student teaching without leaving the region. The pathway program is a true “grow your own” approach to identifying qualified teachers who will invest their talents within the region.
“This agreement addresses the regional shortage of qualified elementary teachers,鈥 said Kuberski.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, currently, there are 1,984 unfilled teaching positions. Thirty of these vacancies are in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties.
Chris Shockey, Director of Human Resources for the Freeport School District, said, 鈥淭his partnership will have such an impact with the students of northwest Illinois. The agreement will help us put certified teachers in the classroom. This is huge for our students, which will make an impact in their lives. This agreement does that.鈥
Dr. Guiyou Huang, president of Western Illinois University, said, 鈥淲e are proud to be part of an agreement that does a lot of good for students from high school to 91探花 to Western. It鈥檚 three steps that can affect the communities of northwest Illinois.鈥
Jim Phillips, 91探花 dean, humanities, social sciences and fine arts, thanked Western Illinois University and 91探花 faculty, staff, and administrators who worked to make the elementary education teacher partnership a reality. 鈥淭his is truly an amazing opportunity for our students,鈥 he said.
Area high school students should talk to their school counselor about the HCC dual credit education pathway program. The education pathway program is also available to graduating seniors and adult students. To learn more or schedule a tour, go to highland.edu/new-students or call 815-599-3414.
Photo caption: (l-r): Jim Endress, 91探花 Board of Trustees Chair; Chris Kuberski, 91探花 President; and Dr. Guiyou Huang, President of Western Illinois University