U.S. Department of Labor Approves Registered Apprenticeship for K-12 Principal

On July 10, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor approved the “K-12 principal” occupation as eligible for registered apprenticeship based on an application submitted by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and written by the National Center for Grow Your Own. This application is the first-in-the-nation to receive approval.

The registered apprenticeship for a K-12 principal is:

  • Competency based

  • 2,000 hours (the principal apprentice is employed as an assistant principal)

  • Related technical instruction is accomplished by earning a master’s degree in school leadership

Available Documents:

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s application was co-sponsored by NCGYO as well as the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Other partners who expressed support for the application include: National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders and North Dakota United.

U.S. Department of Labor Approves Registered Apprenticeship for K-12 Teacher

In November 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor approved the “K-12 teacher” occupation as eligible for apprenticeship based on an application co-written (with Jean Luna and Tyra Copas) by our founder.

This means any state in the country can launch their own teacher apprenticeship program since the occupation is now federally recognized.

We can help states and school districts to design their apprenticeship programs based on our experience as the lead author of the approved application, which was based on our GYO model.

We will support you in identifying the sponsor, employer and related instruction provider. We will also work with you to establish the on the job competencies and required coursework.