Nontraditional License Pathway and Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program
What is the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program?
The Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program is a career pathway designed to help individuals become fully licensed teachers by combining on-the-job experience, structured mentorship, and college coursework. This earn-and-learn model allows aspiring educators to work in schools while completing the educational and licensing requirements necessary to earn their initial Kansas teaching license.
Apprentices are supported by a mentor teacher, evaluated by their school district, and enrolled in a teacher preparation program. Depending on their educational background, apprentices may be completing a bachelor’s degree or additional coursework at a four-year university—often leading to a master’s degree in education.
Regardless of their starting point, all apprentices are teachers in training progressing toward full professional licensure.
Why Individuals on a Nontraditional License Can Be Apprentices
In Kansas, individuals teaching on a nontraditional license may already serve as the teacher of record. However, they are still actively working toward their initial teaching license. These individuals are enrolled in state-approved preparation programs and are required to complete additional coursework and assessments.
Even though they lead a classroom, they benefit from the same supports as other apprentices:
- Daily classroom experience that deepens instructional skills
- Mentorship from an experienced teacher
- Structured support and oversight through the apprenticeship program
Participation in the apprenticeship model formalizes their growth and ensures that all licensure requirements are met with guidance and accountability.
