Lauryn Collins-Holt is an ICD Early Childhood Education graduate student working towards her licensure in early childhood (birth-grade 3) and elementary education (K- grade 6). When the Minneapolis Teachers Union strike began in March 2022 she was a student teacher in a kindergarten classroom in the area. When the need for further support arose, Collins-Holt submitted an application with the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and received a sub-license. She then taught as a substitute in surrounding districts throughout the strike, as did many ICD students.
The University of Minnesota Office of Teacher Education worked with the state licensing board to approve the alternative activities and sub-license necessary to substitute teach. ICD Early Childhood Education students who were working as student teachers were given the opportunity to obtain the sub license in order to support school districts at this time.
In March 2022 the Minneapolis Teachers Union went on strike to advocate for higher wages, mental health support systems for students, contract-enforced class size caps, increased recruitment and retention of educators of color and more. During the three-week strike many school districts found themselves with a shortage of teachers and substitutes. Additionally, before and during the strike districts were dealing with a historic shortage of substitutes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This unique opportunity allowed students to learn in different environments and further their education while supporting the education community at large. “I learned a lot from subbing and I learned a lot from the picket line. Subbing in other schools gave me some great insight on other ways of doing things,” Collins-Holt said.
Lauryn Collins-Holt will be completing her graduate studies and will obtain her license in the spring of 2022. Following graduation she plans to pursue an Early Childhood teaching position in the Twin Cities or surrounding area. Collins-Holt has also received the ICD Lattini Scholarship during her time at the University of Minnesota.
