Bill sponsor makes case to fund registered apprenticeships for future teachers

A strong desire exists to further a three-for-one opportunity for aspiring teachers: earn while you learn, skill development and connection to employment or career advancement.

Sponsored by Rep. Patricia Mueller (R-Austin), HF1538, as amended, would allocate a yet-to-be-determined amount of funding in the 2026-27 biennium from the Workforce Development Fund for registered apprenticeships for teachers.

“They are federally recognized career pathways where employers develop and prepare the teacher workforce by providing the individual with paid work experience and relevant instruction that lead to an industry-recognized credential,” Mueller said.

In a traditional teacher prep model, student teachers are often unpaid.

Popular in blue-collar trades, the mentorship idea is relatively new in the education industry. Tennessee had the first program in the 2021-22 school year.

Approved Thursday by the House Education Finance Committee, the bill was sent to the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee.

The bill also calls for the creation of a joint apprenticeship training committee within the Department of Labor and Industry “to administer an apprenticeship program leading to teacher licensure.”

Supporters say these programs support the recruitment and preparation of teachers, federal and state workforce dollars have become more available for these programs, and they can shorten the length of time it takes to become certified.

And, they note, it has the potential to better diversify the workforce, help with staff shortages, and is a great pathway for non-traditional students.

“Forward Together: Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program” was launched last fall with 25 apprentices. It is a collaboration between Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minneapolis Public Schools, North Branch Area Public Schools and Owatonna Public Schools.

“I was super-pumped because I knew we had quite a few paraprofessionals that would make wonderful, wonderful teachers. They just didn’t have the means to do it or the time to do it based on several reasons,” said Chris Picha, director of human resources and student affairs at Owatonna Public Schools. “ … For instance we have a single mom with two children. She wouldn’t be able to get her teaching license, and she’ll be a fabulous teacher, without this program. We have a grandmother that is the guardian of her grandchildren. She’s very busy in the evening and this is a perfect way for her to get her teaching license.”

Sara Paul, North Branch school superintendent, said the district did not receive extra funding for the program. “What we’re doing with other districts that have a critical need is to have that embedded training where you’re earning more money on your hourly wage and getting closer to your degree. It’s a built-in incentive and it’s working.”

But a funding-free model can only last so long.

A dozen education leaders from around the state signed off on a funding ask of $1.65 million in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to “support our cohort of school districts across the state that are partnering in registered teacher apprenticeship programs.”

They say it would, in part, provide stipends to 35 registered teacher apprentices to offset tuition and fee costs; help with direct program costs, wage progression, and program support; and provide five opportunities for additional districts to join the cohort.