This school year, USD 202 began participation in the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This program, which is application-based, provides an opportunity for staff who are aspiring educators to earn their college degree and become teachers in the district. Currently, five paraprofessionals within the district are taking part in this program.

The Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Program is an initiative designed by the Kansas State Department of Education to support aspiring educators while addressing state-wide teacher shortages.

For those who hoped to be a classroom teacher but found the traditional college path challenging, this apprenticeship provides a structured and financially supported alternative.

The apprenticeship is a four-year, competency-based program that allows apprentices to work full-time in the school while they earn a bachelor’s degree in education. The program is designed to meet individuals where they are - whether they have no prior college credits or some credits they have earned.

The apprentices are given a teacher mentor to help them one-on-one. These mentors are staff members, and because they work in the same building, the apprentices are already familiar with them. This mentorship is an important aspect of the program and something that traditional education degree students typically do not have access to until later in their college coursework.

“This program is helping us build strong mentor teachers through the training program offered to them. This will help elevate and support our staff even beyond those in the apprentice program,” shared Executive Director of Administrative Services Dr. Lana Gerber.

The apprentices gradually take on more responsibilities in the classroom, developing the skills and competencies needed to become effective educators. This on-the-job training model makes the program especially effective.

While working full-time, they are taking online classes through partner universities to earn their college credits.

The apprentices are observed and evaluated at least once per semester to ensure steady progress toward both their degree completion and teaching certification.

What makes this program a great opportunity for USD 202 is being able to identify current staff who have an interest in becoming a teacher paired with the ability for them to learn in a school environment under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers.

Additionally, the financial support plays an important role in the program offering. Apprentices receive assistance with the FAFSA and scholarship applications as well as grant funds from the state for spring, fall, and summer tuition. Any remaining funds can be used for books and supplies, ensuring financial barriers do not stand in the way of earning a degree.

This program is a great pairing with our program at Turner High School where current students can shadow in our elementary school classrooms. These students can then work for the district after high school graduation and apply to be accepted into the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program.

USD 202 sees tremendous value in being able to hire classroom teachers who are from our community - this makes the connection between students and teachers that much stronger.

Turner Elementary Paraprofessional Moises Madrid is currently in the program. He shared, "“What I value most about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program is the mentorship and experience I’m gaining. My mentor is someone I can trust and rely on in any situation. Working with students has helped me develop my skills, and I look forward to supporting them each day. This hands-on experience is expanding my knowledge as I work toward becoming a teacher.”