Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota
Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota is a new sponsor of registered teacher apprenticeship programs in the state in partnership with Education Minnesota.
Registered apprenticeship programs allow individuals without a bachelor’s degree to work as an education support professional while getting on-the-job training to meet licensure requirements and receiving college credit toward a bachelor’s degree — culminating in a Tier 3 teaching license.
We currently offer an elementary education registered teacher apprenticeship program in two districts in Minnesota. Starting in summer 2026, we plan to expand to a dual Elementary-English as a Second Language apprenticeship program and a dual Academic and Behavioral Strategist-Autism Spectrum Disorder apprenticeship program. We are currently in conversation with dozens of districts and charter schools across the state.
If your district is already operating or preparing to launch an apprenticeship program, you can fill out the application below for the summer 2026 cohort.
Interested in being a Journey Teacher? Contact your local union president to find out if your district is operating an apprenticeship program. If not, contact us to start the process.
Registered teacher apprencticeship program benefits
- Get your bachelor’s degree and a Tier III teaching license in three years WITHOUT any tuition costs.
- Most course credits and standards met through on-the-job training.
- Wage increases — on top of contractual pay increases — at least once throughout the program.
- The only teacher preparation model that partners with the local teacher and ESP unions, providing better pay and worker protections.
- All related instruction by a PELSB-approved provider.
- Safety training provided by Education Minnesota and the participating district.
This program is an entry point for anyone who didn’t excel in a traditional classroom setting. “I never thought I would be a teacher. I love learning, but I did not like a lot of the aspects of college. … We get to learn on the job and, while we have classes, it’s more group class and less sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture.”
Hopkins supervisory paraprofessional kiyanna thompson
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone without a teaching license. Currently, all apprenticeship programs are for individuals without a bachelor’s degree, but more programs may be added for master’s degrees candidates and additional licensure areas.
How long does it take?
If you come into the program with less than 40 college credits, it will take three years to complete the program — including summer placements. It may take less time for individuals entering with more than 40 credits.
How is an apprenticeship program different from other teacher preparation?
Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota participants receive college credits and meet teacher licensure standards through assignments completed while still on the job. Participants also receive a paraprofessional wage, including a wage increase throughout the program.
What licensure areas are available?
Currently, we offer only an elementary education apprenticeship program, but we’re planning to build the program and offer many other licensure areas.
Will I have to take night or weekend courses?
Not for the education coursework. However, if you need your general education (known as Core Area in MinnState institutions) courses, those will need to be taken outside of the workday. Our program will help you find courses that meet your needs — including online, asynchronous or applying for credit for prior learning.
Will I get to keep my teaching job?
Upon completion, each district will evaluate your assignment, which must meet the criteria of an apprenticeship program. (For example, you must be working directly with students and often within the grade level and licensure area of the apprenticeship program.) However, all apprentices remain employees of the district.
Resources
- Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota handouts
- Minnesota Department of Education teacher apprenticeship site
- Support from our partner TeachMN:
- One-on-one and group advising from experienced Minnesota teachers.
- A searchable database of scholarships and financial aid for future educators.
- An interactive tool to explore Minnesota’s teacher preparation programs.
- Application fee reimbursements and scholarship opportunities.
- 24/7 live chat to help answer questions and provide resources to aspiring educators.
- Dedicated resources for candidates from diverse racial, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.
- Email updates, reminders and encouragement throughout the application process.
- Join TeachMN today for free!
Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota was created by the GroundUp Coalition — which is comprised of Black Men Teach, CDF Freedom Schools, the Kitty Anderson Youth Science Center, Sankore Counseling, Bemidji State University and Education Minnesota.
