The State Board of Education today unanimously approved rules to implement the new Teacher Apprenticeship Program established by the 2023 Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. The Teacher Apprenticeship Program is a new pathway for individuals to enter the teaching profession and will continue to increase the pipeline of high-quality teachers in Florida classrooms.
“The Teacher Apprenticeship Program will provide a salary to participants as they complete the training and education needed to fulfill the requirements for a professional educator certificate,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “The State Board’s decision not only provides an additional pathway for entering the teaching profession but also offers flexibility to districts and higher education institutions as they prepare our future educators.”
More about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program:
- Championed by Governor DeSantis with an investment of $9 million to increase the supply of qualified teachers.
- Apprentices begin as paraprofessionals and are paired with an experienced teacher mentor who will ensure their success in the classroom and throughout the program.
- Provides apprentices with on-the-job training and related instruction leading toward a baccalaureate degree and a professional educator certificate.
- Apprentices are not assessed tuition and fees but acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a high-quality educator without incurring debt.
The full State Board agenda and supporting materials can be found on the Department of Education’s website at https://www.fldoe.org/policy/state-board-of-edu/meetings/2023/2023-10-18/.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
