Math Apprentice Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)

Thank you for your interest in joining the 2026 cohort of the DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher Program. The DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher (AT) Program is a year-long, paid teaching residency designed for aspiring educators who want to learn to teach through practice, coaching, and gradual responsibility.

Position: Fixed-term, 11-month residency: July 2026–June 2027
Grade Levels: Middle or High School placements
Status: Full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO)

About the Role

The DSST Apprentice Teacher Program is a structured teaching residency, not a traditional teaching role. Apprentice Teachers are not teachers of record. During the first part of the year, Apprentice Teachers primarily observe, support, and co-teach alongside their Mentor Teacher. Through a structured gradual release model, Apprentice Teachers take on increasing responsibility for lesson planning, instruction, assessment, and classroom management over time, with the goal of being ready to lead their own classroom the following school year. Your primary responsibility is to learn, practice, and reflect, with the support of a DSST Mentor Teacher and a network of educators committed to your development.

This Role Is

• A full-time, in-person learning-focused teaching residency
• A pathway to becoming a licensed DSST Lead Teacher
• Designed for individuals who are confident they want to pursue teaching as a long-term career
• An opportunity to build skills through practice, coaching, and gradual responsibility

This Role Is Not

• A traditional teacher-of-record position
• A “try-it-out” role for deciding whether you enjoy teaching (If you are interested in exploring teaching or working with students in other ways, DSST offers additional pathways that may be a better fit!)

Core Learning Experiences

Apprentice Teachers engage in a range of structured learning opportunities, including:

• Shadowing and co-teaching with an assigned Mentor Teacher
• Observing a variety of DSST classrooms and teaching styles
• Practicing teaching in real classrooms with coaching and feedback
• Participating in school- and network-wide professional development
• Engaging in a state-approved teacher licensure program
• Supporting additional school needs as appropriate and aligned to learning and development goals

Apprentice Teachers receive regular feedback and are evaluated based on growth, professionalism, instructional practice, and readiness to step into a Lead Teacher role.

Sample Apprentice Teacher Schedule

This example illustrates how observation, practice, and feedback are intentionally built into the Apprentice Teacher experience. Schedules vary by campus, mentor teacher, and content area.

Placement: 7th Grade Science (Mid-September)

• 8:20-8:50: Co-lead homeroom (advisory of ~15 students)
• 8:53-10:05: Meet with mentor to review lessons & prep materials
• 10:08-11:20: Observe mentor teaching 7th Grade Science
• 11:20-11:50: Lunch duty (cafeteria supervision)
• 11:53-1:05: Observe mentor and another science classroom
• 1:09-2:21: Lunch and observation debrief with mentor
• 2:24-3:36: Teach first 15 minutes of 7th Grade Science class, then observe mentor for remainder of period
• 3:36-4:00: Students dismissed; organize classwork that was turned in & make copies for tomorrow

Licensure & DSST's Investment in You

Apprentice Teachers participate in a state-approved teacher licensure program aligned to DSST’s instructional model. Licensure partners may vary by cohort. DSST fully funds the cost of licensure coursework during the residency year, allowing candidates to earn their teaching license without taking on tuition debt. In exchange for this investment, Apprentice Teachers commit to teaching at DSST for two additional school years following the residency year, provided they are offered and accept a Lead Teacher position. This mutual commitment allows DSST to invest deeply in your development while ensuring continuity and stability for our students and school communities.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• A completed Bachelor’s Degree (any major) prior to start date
• Passion for Math, Science, or other STEM-related subjects
• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives, demonstrated through actions, reflection, or prior experience
• Desire to grow professionally as an anti-racist educator
• Self-awareness, reflective practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to commit fully to an in-person, full-time residency and licensure program

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience working with students (any setting) ages 11-18
• Experience working with students of color, students with disabilities, multilanguage learners, or first generation college-bound students

Pay

• $48,000 during the Apprentice Teacher (residency) year
• $60,000-$82,000 if hired into a Lead Teacher role in year two

Relocation stipend available for anyone joining us from 75+ miles outside the Denver area.

Schedule

• Licensure program summer coursework begins July 20th
• DSST new staff training begins July 23rd, 2026

View the current School Year Calendar here.

Benefits

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

About DSST Public Schools

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together. We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people