Supporting and Retaining Educators through Registered Apprenticeships

A 2022 National Education Association (NEA) survey found 55% of its members plan to leave education sooner than planned. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 567,000 fewer teachers in America’s schools than in 2020, making the case for investing in new ways to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Education issued a call to action in its Raise the Bar: Lead the World Initiative aimed at eliminating the educator shortage through a well-prepared and sustainable educator workforce. Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs were one of the key strategies for addressing workforce shortages highlighted through the Raise the Bar initiative.

Addressing Teacher Shortages with Registered Apprenticeship Programs

The first federally registered educator program for K-12 Teacher was approved in Tennessee by the United States Department of Labor (DOL) in January 2022. Other states, such as New York, had been utilizing educator apprenticeships as early as 2019 to recruit, prepare, and retain educators, but this national recognition of the K-12 Teacher occupation led to rapid expansion of K-12 Teacher RA programs. As of spring 2024, there are over 2,800 K-12 Teacher apprentices in programs registered across 39 states and territories that are reported in DOL’s RAPIDS system.

RA programs pair supplemental education with paid on-the-job learning while the apprentice is supported with on-going mentorship throughout the program. In its design, RA programs have the potential to address the challenges that contribute to low recruitment and retention of teachers through affordable preparation and sustained support.

Expanding Educator Registered Apprenticeships

In the summer of 2023, RTI International launched the Educator Registered Apprenticeship (ERA) Intermediary, with funding by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, to offer technical assistance to state education agencies, school districts, educator preparation programs, and other potential RA partners in the development and delivery of educator RA programs. In its first year, the ERA Intermediary worked to support the expansion of RA in the education sector in nearly 40 states.

RTI’s Aspire Teacher Prep Program

This work builds on RTI’s history conducting education research and technical assistance, and our work in teacher preparation and development. RTI’s Aspire Teacher Prep program partners with teacher candidates transitioning into teaching positions within North Carolina school districts, offering a 15-month accelerated alternative teacher licensure program. This program features fully online, competency-based courses, dedicated coaches for support, and a collaborative network of beginning teachers to address common challenges. During the program, teachers participate in 4 courses: Classroom Culture, Behavior Management & Systems of Support; Intentional Planning and Facilitation of Learning; Redesigning Core Instruction for Unique Learners; and Teacher Leadership and Development.

The Role of Mentorship in Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Supporting and retaining great educators involves providing them with regular opportunities to reflect on their values, consider new approaches, and update their tools and resources. Another critical way that RA programs develop apprentices into skilled practitioners is through the use of a mentor model. The on-the-job learning component of an apprenticeship focuses on development of those pedagogical aspects that one might expect like developing lesson plans, delivering a lesson, or managing classroom behavior. But it can also include skills that are not as obvious, like utilizing data to implement new practices, holding critical conversations with other colleagues, leading school committees, or practicing advocacy to improve teaching and learning conditions. These skills are honed under the sustained support of an experienced mentor.      

Through RTI’s experience providing coaching to educators, we know that employing an asset-based, non-evaluative coaching framework that blends research-based strategies and adult learning theories empowers educators. Job-embedded instructional coaching enhances educators' skills, impacts student success, and leads change within classrooms, schools, and districts. Mentoring through RA programs cultivates leadership in both apprentices and their mentors. Mentors develop skills as teacher leaders who equip apprentices with learning new skills, understanding workplace culture, and providing coaching through listening, feedback, and encouragement. 

Engaging Multiple Partners for Successful RA Programs

Most employers offer incentives and training to experienced mentors who work with apprentices. For example, in Tennessee, prospective mentors must meet selection criteria approved in policy. Some states outline the mentor role and compensation in state regulations. Others cover mentor costs by re-vamping already established mentoring programs or through grant funding opportunities. 

K-12 Teacher RA programs require engagement of multiple partners to address recruitment, program development, and funding needs. Many state education agencies and local school districts begin by assessing their current needs and resources by using tools like the Teacher Registered Apprenticeship: SEA Self-Assessment Tool.

Innovative Approaches to Teacher Preparation

Registered Apprenticeship is a different way of thinking about teacher preparation that leverages effective practices to meet the needs of both employers and potential apprentices. And, as long as programs meet the basic components of RA, there is flexibility in the model to develop programs that meet the educator workforce needs of the community. As the education sector seeks new ways to recruit, prepare and retain our schools’ most valuable resource, the opportunity to develop an educator pathway in Registered Apprenticeships is something we cannot afford to miss.

Learn more about how to get involved in the ERA Intermediary’s work and expand educator pathways in your state or district.