Pathway to the Education Profession: Teacher Apprenticeship Program and Strengthening Educator Preparation

About the Webinar:

This informative session introduced Florida’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program and other innovative pathways designed to address the educator workforce shortage while strengthening teacher preparation across the state. Marsha Dixon and Betsy Williamson from the Florida Department of Education explained how the Teacher Apprenticeship Program provides an earn-while-you-learn model that allows aspiring educators to work in classrooms under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers while simultaneously completing their certification requirements. The presenters emphasized that this registered apprenticeship approach offers significant benefits for both participants and schools—apprentices gain practical classroom experience and earn a salary while pursuing their credentials without accumulating student loan debt, while schools address staffing needs and cultivate teachers who are already familiar with their culture, curriculum, and student population. The program represents a paradigm shift from traditional preparation models, prioritizing hands-on experience alongside coursework and creating a pipeline of job-ready educators who understand the realities of teaching from day one.

Dixon and Williamson provided comprehensive guidance for charter schools interested in establishing or participating in teacher apprenticeship programs, covering program requirements, funding opportunities, partnership structures with approved preparation providers, mentor selection and training, and quality assurance expectations. They outlined the application process, discussed eligible positions and apprenticeship pathways, and shared success stories from schools already implementing these programs effectively. The presenters also addressed related initiatives to strengthen educator preparation more broadly, including updates to certification pathways, clinical practice requirements, and alignment between preparation programs and the Science of Reading. They emphasized the Department’s commitment to supporting alternative certification routes that maintain high standards while providing flexibility for career changers and paraprofessionals seeking to become fully certified teachers. Attendees left with practical resources, clear next steps for program implementation, and connections to technical assistance available through the Department to help charter schools build sustainable educator pipelines that address both immediate staffing needs and long-term workforce development goals.