IU adds apprenticeship program in teaching
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The U.S. Department of Labor has approved Indiana University as a group sponsor for a new Registered Apprenticeship Program in teaching, a career pathway in which students receive hands-on experience and wages as they work toward their degrees.
Under the program, IU can partner with school districts across the state to offer aspiring teachers paid employment and mentorship while they earn their bachelor’s degrees and teaching licenses, the university said in a news release.
“This program is not only a source of financial support and practical experience; it develops and retains local talent who are likely to stay and contribute to their communities long term,” Leah Nellis, IU assistant vice president for school partnerships, said in the news release. “We are honored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s recognition and look forward to the positive impact this will have on schools throughout Indiana.”
Nearly nine out of 10 K-12 public schools in the United States reported challenges hiring teachers for the 2023-24 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. In Indiana, more than 1,400 teaching positions are vacant, according to the state Department of Education’s job board.
Student participants in the apprenticeship program benefit in three key ways, IU said. They earn wages that increase as their competencies increase. They receive on-the-job training and mentoring while receiving classroom instruction and coursework. And they graduate from an accredited educator program at an IU campus.
“By mentoring local talent, we will not only fill teaching positions but also foster a dedicated workforce likely to remain in our community for years to come,” Matt Rhoda, superintendent of the Community Schools of Frankfort, said in the news release. “Indiana University’s partnership is instrumental in addressing our teacher shortage and enhancing the quality of education in our schools.”