The most common words said at the launch of “Forward Together: Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program” was, “It’s happening!” After a year and a half of planning, one of the first teacher apprenticeship programs in the state to create pathways to teaching licenses for talented, diverse candidates in both urban and rural districts is up and running.
Minneapolis Public Schools, North Branch Area Public Schools, Owatonna Public Schools and Minnesota State University, Mankato announced the launch of “Forward Together: Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program” at a news conference on Monday, Aug. 12.
The Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program is open to candidates who meet a number of qualifications including having an associate’s degree or qualifying credits.
School districts across the country are experiencing challenges hiring and retaining teachers, and the “Forward Together: Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program” aims to address the teacher shortage by attracting excellent candidates of diverse backgrounds from local communities, and removing barriers to becoming a licensed teacher. “We believe that these community-based connections will make a difference in student outcomes long-term,” said Sara Paul of North Branch Area Public Schools. “This innovative program identifies people who are often already educators who are deeply connected to our students and community, and helps them find pathways to teaching licenses.”
North Branch partnered with Minneapolis and Owatonna Public Schools to form the first cohort of 25 registered teacher apprentices who will get first-hand experience in the classroom in addition to their studies before graduating in 2026.