“Our goal is creating a world in which aspiring teachers can become a teacher for free and be paid to do so,” said David Donaldson, the founder and managing partner of the National Center for Grow Your Own, a nonprofit that provides technical assistance to states and school districts to set up apprenticeship programs.
With federal dollars up for grabs, “I actually think that’s a possible scenario,” he said.
“The National Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching Network announced its launch last week in an effort to connect states that are exploring registered teaching apprenticeships approved by the U.S. Department of Labor to address educator shortages.
The launch of the network points to an emerging interest in using teaching apprenticeships and grow-your-own models as a tool to combat teacher shortages.”
Press
“Tennessee’s leadership in expanding its ‘Grow Your Own’ program is a model for states across the country that are working to address shortages in the educator workforce and expand the pipeline into the teaching profession.”
-U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona
“I am proud that the Department of Labor is partnering with the State of Tennessee on this pioneering teacher Registered Apprenticeship program that will help grow a diverse, local pipeline of educators for years to come…..Tennessee’s innovative teacher apprenticeship program now offers a new pathway to the classroom at a critical time for our children, schools and communities.”
-U.S. Secretary of Labor, Marty Walsh
“There is a role Covid-19 stimulus dollars can play in diversifying the pipeline, Duncan said. Last fall, Tennessee awarded $2 million in grants to seven university teacher education programs to cover tuition, fees, books and tests to become a licensed teacher. The program is aimed at teaching assistants who can continue to work in their schools while participating.”
– Politico
“The organizations arrange a paid education assistant position, a teacher mentor, and a paid multiyear residency for bachelor degree programs or one-year residency for advanced-level programs. Tuition, textbooks, and fees are covered for all selected participants.”
“A key element of the program is the partnership between the district and educator preparation programs. It is not always easy given that school systems and universities are not always accustomed to working together towards a shared goal.”
Now, the district’s partnerships with Lipscomb and Austin Peay allow them to recruit directly from the Clarksville community, which has grown in diversity during the past few years.
“[We want] to find answers within our own community,” says Casebolt. “We need to meet the needs of our students and equipment them to be successful in the world.”