Among the key announcements is the release of the new National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards specifically tailored for K-12 teachers. The U.S. government is also set to expedite the development and approval process for new apprenticeship programs, paving the way for improved teacher preparation nationwide.
The United States’ Departments of Education and Labor have jointly announced a series of groundbreaking initiatives to tackle educator shortages and elevate learning conditions in schools.
The initiatives form a crucial part of the Department of Education’s “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” campaign, which aims to improve learning conditions by addressing educator shortages, as per a press release.
Among the key announcements is the release of new National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards specifically tailored for K-12 teachers.
The NGS, developed by The Pathways Alliance and approved by the Department of Labor, will serve as a framework for aligning programs to meet high-quality standards for K-12 educators.
It will also expedite the development and approval process for new apprenticeship programs, paving the way for improved teacher preparation nationwide.
To support the expansion of teacher apprenticeship programs, the Department of Education has allocated over $27 million. These funds will be utilized in various ways, including $14.5 million in Teacher Quality Partnership grants, which aim to enhance the quality of educator preparation programs and support new teachers.
An additional $12.7 million in Supporting Effective Educator Development funds will be employed to implement evidence-based practices that enhance educators’ skills and offer career advancement opportunities for current teachers.
The Department of Labor is also contributing over $65 million in formula and competitive grants to 45 states and territories. These funds will facilitate the development and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs, with 35 of the states targeting the education sector as a priority.
Competitive grants have been awarded to Kansas, Utah, North Dakota, Washington, and New Hampshire, enabling them to intensify their focus on establishing Registered Apprenticeship Programs for K-12 teachers.
To foster even greater progress, the Department of Labor is introducing a new Registered Apprenticeship industry intermediary called RTI International.
This intermediary will have a dedicated focus on promoting and expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in K-12 education, contributing to the diversification and strengthening of the teacher workforce.
“Teacher apprenticeships are a key strategy in our plan to Raise the Bar in education and improve learning conditions in our schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
He emphasized that providing opportunities for future teachers to “earn while they learn” creates an affordable pathway into the teaching profession and helps build a talented and diverse pool of educators.
Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su also lauded the investments, affirming that they will enable states to develop a skilled and diverse workforce reflective of the communities teachers serve.
The Pathways Alliance, which played a significant role in developing the NGS, expressed gratitude to the Departments of Labor and Education and partner organizations for their collaborative efforts.
The newly released NGS, more than just guidelines, represents a collective commitment to fostering a preparation pipeline that champions inclusivity and supports access to high-quality teacher preparation.
