Registered Teacher Apprenticeship 

The Registered Teacher Apprenticeship is a four-year competency-based apprenticeship.  If a newly hired apprentice has no classroom experience and no college credit, it will probably take them four years to complete the program.  If the apprentice has prior experience and college credit the apprenticeship could take less time.  Here is a matrix of the apprentice’s potential role in the district based on their classroom and college experience Apprentice Role Matrix.

Districts build an on-the-job training plan for their apprentices based on their teacher training rubric, so that each apprentice can learn, practice, and become proficient with all competencies required to be a teacher.  Districts will evaluate and observe the apprentice at least once a semester [link to sample evaluation/observation tool] [link to assurance statement] to ensure the apprentice is making progress in their on-the-job learning and bachelor's degree.

Districts must have a progressive wage scale that meets a minimum starting pay of $14 an hour. (Districts are always free to increase that minimum based on their own wage scale.)

Apprentices must be assigned a mentor teacher to help guide them through their apprenticeship. The mentor teacher should hold a professional license. The mentor teacher will receive $1,500 a year (through Summer 2026) for serving in this role.

Apprentices will receive tuition assistance yearly, depending on funding allotment. Any money not used for tuition can be used to pay for books and supplies. The tuition money will be granted to the district, and the district will coordinate with the university/community college to distribute the tuition money.

The Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program provides a pathway to becoming a licensed teacher that combines paid employment, classroom experience, college coursework, and individualized mentorship. Rather than waiting until the completion of a degree program to gain teaching experience, apprentices are employed by a participating school district and begin developing their instructional skills in real classrooms from the start of the program. This approach allows aspiring educators to earn a wage while building the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for success in the teaching profession.

Registered teacher apprentices work alongside experienced educators and actively participate in the daily responsibilities of teaching. Under the guidance of a mentor teacher, apprentices engage in lesson planning, curriculum development, instructional delivery, student assessment, classroom management, and family engagement. As their skills and confidence grow, apprentices gradually assume greater responsibilities in the classroom. This structured progression provides meaningful opportunities to apply learning in authentic educational settings while developing a deep understanding of effective teaching practices and strategies for supporting diverse learners.

The program is built on the principle that effective teachers are developed through a combination of theory, practice, and ongoing support. Apprentices' complete coursework through an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree and teacher licensure while simultaneously participating in structured on-the-job learning. The integration of academic study with classroom experience helps apprentices connect educational theory, child development, pedagogy, and content knowledge to the realities of teaching. Throughout the program, mentor teachers provide coaching, feedback, and professional guidance to support continuous growth and competency development.

The Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program consists of four interconnected components that work together to prepare future educators for long-term success. Through collaboration among school districts, educator preparation programs, the Kansas State Department of Education, and workforce partners, the program creates a structured and supported pathway into the teaching profession while helping schools develop a strong pipeline of future educators for Kansas students.

 Primary Components of the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program

  • Paid Employment- Apprentices are employed by a participating school district and earn wages while completing the program.
  • Hands-On Work-Based Learning - Apprentices gain practical experience in real classrooms through progressively increasing teaching responsibilities under the supervision of experienced educators.
  • College Coursework Leading to Teacher Licensure - Apprentices complete coursework through an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree and eligibility for Kansas teacher licensure.
  • Individualized Mentorship - Each apprentice is paired with an experienced mentor teacher who provides coaching, feedback, support, and professional guidance throughout the program.
  • Competency-Based Progression - Apprentices demonstrate mastery of professional teaching competencies through ongoing evaluation, observation, and performance in the classroom.
  • Progressive Wage Scale - Apprentices receive scheduled wage increases as they advance through the program and develop additional skills, knowledge, and responsibilities.
  • College Tuition Assistance – Up to $2750 a year for tuition, books, fees, and materials.

Application (PDF)

  • Applications are due June 1, 2026 for the Fall 2026 semester

Application Guidance (PDF)

DO NOT EMAIL KSDE THE APPLICATION

Email apprentice@ksde.gov to receive instructions on submitting the application