Internships & Apprenticeships
Leading the Way in Teacher Apprenticeships Registered apprenticeships address shortages and streamline pathways to teaching BY ANN HLABANGANA-CLAY AND MICHAEL SAYLOR
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, we’re grappling with a shortage of teachers, and Delaware is no exception. At the start of this school year, Delaware’s public schools had 355 vacant teaching positions. The greatest need is in our middle and high schools, especially in subjects like math, science, and special education, where many schools struggle to find qualified candidates. Despite these concerning figures, Delaware is performing better than other states. According to a July 2023 Policy Memo from the U.S. Department of Education titled “Raise the Bar: Eliminate the Educator Shortage,” only three states experienced any growth in their educator workforce post-pandemic. Delaware led the pack with a 5.1% increase. In its commitment to leading the Nation, the state is actively developing more high-quality pathways into teaching. One initiative is the introduction of a Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching.
The concept of registered apprenticeships for teaching started in Tennessee in 2021. These programs offer aspiring educators a unique pathway into the teaching profession. Modeled after traditional apprenticeships in skilled trades, such as carpentry or plumbing, registered apprenticeships for teaching provide a combination of classroom instruction and practical, on-the-job training. Nationally, these programs have gained traction to address both the shortage of teachers and the need for more diverse pathways into education. By blending classroom learning with hands-on experience, aspiring
Bill signing of House Bill 138 on August 23, 2023, at Appoquinimink School District. Left to right – Secretary of Education Mark Holodick, Michael Saylor, Bill Sponsor Kimberly Williams, Governor Carney, Ann HlabanganaClay, Deputy Secretary of Education Cora Scott. DELAWARE BUSINESS
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