DeWine Announces New Teacher Apprenticeship Program

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohioans working in schools in roles without a teaching certification could have a new apprenticeship pathway into the classroom.

The Teacher Apprenticeship Program announced by Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday reportedly is being developed to address the educator shortage.

Through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the program has been developed to provide the standards to make the occupation of K-12 teachers an addition to the registered apprenticeship programs.

DeWine says the program is an innovative way for those interested in becoming a teacher and already working in positions such as teacher’s aid, library specialist or bus driver, to obtain a teaching license.

“Teachers all across Ohio are currently instructing students at the more than 120 pre-apprenticeship programs but, ironically, until now, teaching has been a non-apprenticable occupation,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. “At a time where we are facing a critical need to fill these positions, preparing teachers through the apprenticeship model will help deliver additional qualified teachers for the classroom.”

The goal of the program being developed would provide flexibility for those starting at different levels of experience and schooling; provide credit for prior experience toward related instruction and on-the-job training requirements; and lead to wage increases with additional skills and experience.

Teachers modeling best practices will mentor new candidates while remaining in the classroom.

Additionally, candidates will be eligible to apply for Grow Your Own Teacher scholarships, which will provide up to $7,500 per year for four years to those committing to teach in a qualifying Ohio school for at least four years.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.