“I could be a teacher!”
After years of working as an assistant teacher and substitute teacher at Divine Savior Academy–Santa Rita Ranch, Texas, Terri Kulick realized she could turn her love for God and these DSA students into a teaching career — with help from Martin Luther College’s APPLE program.
Terri’s career didn’t start in education. She was a leasing agent at an apartment complex and then a stay-at-home mom. Her first steps into the teaching world were in public school special ed classrooms.
Then, in 2018, she began a new chapter — a life-changing one! — working as a first-grade educational assistant at Divine Savior Academy. Once there, it didn’t take long for her to realize: “I love being with the kids. I love sharing God with them. I want to teach!”
When Terri’s pastor learned about MLC’s new APPLE program — Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility — he pointed Terri to it immediately. APPLE gives returning adult learners a pathway to an elementary teaching ministry degree without requiring them to leave their jobs, which are often in WELS schools.
For Terri, it’s a perfect fit. She’s already completed her theology courses — including her favorites on doctrine. “We got to dig so deep into the Bible,” she says. “It’s been mind-blowing. I love it.”
She’s now working on her education coursework. Previous college “gen ed” credits transferred in, and she’ll apply her teaching experience — which includes supporting nearly every grade level; helping coach volleyball, soccer, and dance; and filling a full-time substitute teaching role — to meet Early Field Experience requirements.
Best of all, when it’s time to do her required student teaching, she won’t need to leave her current position.
“I can do it all while staying right here at DSA, the school I love,” Terri says. “MLC’s APPLE program is making it possible.”
APPLE: Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility
MLC is excited to offer this new pathway for aspiring teachers to be “Knighted for Ministry”! The Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility (APPLE) is designed for returning adult learners who want to serve in the WELS public ministry as elementary school teachers.
- 100% Online: Finish your degree while staying in your own home, community, and job.
- Competency-based: Build on what you already know and focus on the knowledge and skills you still need.
- Learner-centered: Follow a personalized pathway shaped by your background, experience, and schedule.
- Flexibly-paced: Study when it works for you — whether in small daily doses or longer weekly sessions.
- Faculty-guided: Benefit from one-on-one mentoring and support every step of the way.
You may wonder: Will my other college credits be accepted? What does a typical course look like? What if I’m new to online learning? Find answers to these questions and more in our FAQ.
Ready to explore whether APPLE is right for you? Complete the interest survey, and our team will contact you to discuss how this program can help you reach your goal. Or reach out to Dr. Nichole LaGrow, director of Nontraditional Education, at lagrowna@mlc-wels.edu.
