ADAPT Indy

Actively Developing Accelerated Pathways to Teaching in Indianapolis

ADAPT Indy is a Grow Your Own accelerated, online pathway designed for eligible employees of Marion County School Districts who want to become licensed teachers in early childhood and elementary education. Built with working adults in mind, the program helps future educators move toward a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification through a supportive cohort model, an accelerated timeline, and opportunities to earn credit for prior learning and professional experience.

ADAPT Indy Flyer

How does ADAPT Indy work?

ADAPT Indy is designed for district employees who do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree but want to become licensed teachers. The pathway builds on the School of Education's existing clinical-based teacher preparation programs in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and redesigns the experience so candidates can complete requirements on an accelerated timeline.

The program is structured to help teacher candidates finish a bachelor’s degree in about three years. Because the pathway is prescriptive, students will focus their additional coursework in areas that align with school district needs, particularly Special Education (SPED) and English as a New Language (ENL).

Credits for Prior Learning

One of the most distinctive features of ADAPT Indy is the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits for prior learning, professional experience, and eligible certifications. Students begin this process by enrolling in EDUC-F 401, a course designed to help them identify eligible prior learning and build a portfolio of evidence.

Faculty with expertise in the relevant content areas review each portfolio to determine whether course competencies have already been met through previous work, learning, or certifications. This process can help students move more efficiently through the program while recognizing the knowledge and experience they already bring to the classroom.

Why ADAPT Indy?

Indianapolis schools need well-prepared teachers, especially in high-need areas and in classrooms serving diverse student populations. ADAPT Indy responds to that need by creating a practical, supportive pathway for current district employees to become licensed educators without following a traditional four-year route from the start.

The program combines several features that matter for working adults: an accelerated plan of study, a cohort model for student support, and a low-cost approach designed to help students maximize scholarships, grants, and financial aid.

Who should consider ADAPT Indy?

ADAPT Indy may be a strong fit for:

  • Eligible employees of Marion County School Districts*

  • Working adults who want to become licensed teachers

  • Individuals interested in teaching in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education

  • Future educators who want a supportive cohort experience

  • Students who may benefit from earning credit for prior work, training, or certifications

* Required eligibility determined by the School District

Program highlights

  • Accelerated pathway: Complete degree requirements in about three years.
  • Cohort model: Progress through the program with a community of peers.
  • Credit for prior learning: Earn up to 12 credits for eligible prior experience, certifications, and learning.
  • Career-aligned preparation: Focused pathways in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, with added coursework aligned to district needs in SPED and ENL.
  • Support for affordability: Designed to help students maximize scholarships, grants, and financial aid.

Contact us

For more information about the program, please schedule an appointment with us. We would be happy to help you explore your options.

ADAPT Indy
IU Indianapolis School of Education
902 West New York Street, ES 3116
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Email: ADAPTsoe@iu.edu
Phone: 317-274-6801