As one of the first graduates of Concordia’s online teacher certification program, she balanced work, family and classroom training while preparing for a future in education.
Jillian VanSolkema (’26) recently completed her Bachelor of Arts in Lower and Upper Elementary Education as part of the first graduating class from Concordia University Ann Arbor’s online bachelor’s pathway leading to Michigan teacher certification. She is also Concordia’s first undergraduate-level completer connected to Talent Together, Michigan’s state-supported teacher preparation and apprenticeship model that provides future teachers with classroom-based experience.
“It was one of the university options offered through the Talent Together program,” VanSolkema said. “I needed an asynchronous option, as I work full time in addition to being a wife and mom, so the online program appealed to me.”
She added that Concordia’s faith-based approach also influenced her decision to enroll.
Online Teacher Certification Pathway for future Michigan educators
CUAA’s online bachelor’s programs serve students balancing work, family, ministry and other responsibilities while pursuing a teaching degree. For VanSolkema, the asynchronous structure helped make that possible.
“Additionally,” she said, “by attending online, I saved time because there was no commute.”
Program students complete coursework remotely while gaining classroom experience through placements and student-teaching opportunities in their local communities.
Dr. Adam Paape, assistant dean in Concordia’s School of Education, said VanSolkema was among the program’s earliest students and remained engaged throughout her coursework and clinical experiences.
“We are incredibly excited to celebrate our first graduating class from Concordia University Ann Arbor’s online bachelor’s programs,” Paape said. “Jillian was one of our first students in the program, and she did wonderful work throughout her online coursework. She demonstrated dedication in her clinical experiences and student-teaching.”
Faith, encouragement and classroom impact
Throughout the program, VanSolkema said faculty members helped her connect course learning to classroom practice. One professor who made a lasting impression was Sarah Elliott, known to students as Dr. E.
“Dr. E was a professor I had for a few courses, and she was so helpful and encouraging throughout the courses I had with her,” VanSolkema said. “She was down to earth and so knowledgeable about the subject matter.”
One example stayed with VanSolkema from her sixth-grade classroom experience. Elliott suggested a movement activity to help students differentiate states of matter. VanSolkema used the idea with her students, and later her mentor teacher noticed students continuing to use the motions as a reminder.
“It was so fun to hear,” VanSolkema said.
Moments like that show the heart of Concordia’s teacher preparation: ideas do not stay locked in an online course shell. They move into classrooms, into lesson plans, into student engagement and into the daily work of teaching.
The value of classroom apprenticeship
Talent Together played a role in supporting VanSolkema’s path to teacher certification. While not every CUAA online student participates in this program, her experience shows the strength of connecting coursework with extended time in a school setting.
“I am part of the Talent Together program, and the biggest way I felt that contributed to my success was allowing me to spend an entire year in a classroom,” VanSolkema said. “I got to be there for it all, which I found super helpful.”
Paape said Concordia values partnerships that give future teachers classroom apprenticeship opportunities before they enter the profession full time.
Advice for education students
When asked what advice she would give future students, her response was simple and memorable.
“You get out of the experience what you put into it,” she said. “So, in the words of Pete the Cat, ‘give it your all!’”
That advice reflects her own journey. She balanced work, family, coursework, clinical experiences and student teaching while pursuing her calling to serve children and families through education.
As CUAA celebrates this first graduating class, her accomplishment represents more than an individual milestone. It also reflects the experiences of students balancing online coursework, classroom training, and responsibilities outside the classroom while preparing for careers in education.
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Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
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