Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota
Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota is a new sponsor of teacher apprenticeship programs in the state in partnership with Education Minnesota.
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.
Right now, we’re running an elementary education apprenticeship program in two districts in Minnesota. We want to expand to other districts and other licensure areas in the 2025-26 school year.
Apprencticeship program benefits
- Get your bachelor’s degree and a Tier III teaching license in three years WITHOUT going into debt.
- Most course credits and standards met through on-the-job training.
- Wage increases — on top of contractual pay increases — every year of the program.
- Better benefits and more worker protections than a residency program because it’s through the union.
- 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
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.
