Illustration: Golden Cosmos

A core part of a professor’s job—and arguably the most central role of higher education—is teaching. Yet no matter how challenging the subject, how invested the professor, or how varied the students, teaching capability is often reduced to a number on a point scale.

Some colleges and universities are trying to change that equation. They're investing in more thoughtfully designed course evaluations, preparing faculty members to substantively critique their colleagues, and fostering discussions of teaching in departmental meetings.

Washington offers more need-based financial aid to undergraduate students than any other state in the country. Yet, college enrollment is stagnant, students are struggling to fill out the application for federal assistance, and millions of dollars in aid are being left unclaimed.

Experts say there’s no one simple fix. Washington is a large state with both urban and rural areas, a robust community college system, and a history of available jobs in industries that don’t require a degree. For students to take better advantage of the available aid, they need to know their options, education leaders say.

As the workforce continues to evolve on a daily basis, the need for individuals to upskill and reskill is greater than ever. For many students, learn-to-earn programs are a way to earn money to pay for college while also gaining the skills that employers are looking for before they even finish a degree. 

In this interview, Jane Swift of Education at Work discusses the importance of learn-and-earn programs, their fundamental elements, and how Indiana is creating robust career pathways for students to achieve good jobs in the area.