Teacher Apprentice

Position Summary

The Teacher Apprentice role is an immersive, structured "Earn and Learn" opportunity designed for aspiring educators who are working toward completing their bachelor's degree and earning a professional teaching certificate. Operating under the direct guidance of a highly effective Mentor Teacher, the Apprentice will gradually transition from a supportive instructional role to co-teaching and leading classroom blocks. This position combines daily, paid on-the-job classroom experience with concurrent enrollment in an approved partner institution of higher education (IHE). The Teacher Apprentice is not the teacher of record.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate daily with the Mentor Teacher to plan, customize, and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned lessons.

• Facilitate small-group intervention and differentiated instruction based on student data and individual learning plans (IEPs/504 plans).

• Gradually assume increased instructional responsibilities over the two-year program cycle using approved team-teaching strategies.

• Utilize classroom data to monitor student progress, analyze student work, and adjust pacing or support accordingly.

• Maintain a safe, structured, and positive educational environment that honors student voice and fosters high academic expectations.

• Implement the school's behavior management framework consistently, utilizing trauma-informed or restorative practices where appropriate.

• Establish professional, supportive relationships with students while maintaining strict professional boundaries.

• Maintain active enrollment, good standing, and a minimum 2.5 GPA in the state-approved partner teacher preparation program.

• Demonstrate continuous progress toward mastering designated teacher preparation competencies through on-the-job evaluations and portfolio reviews.

• Participate fully in all school-wide professional development, professional learning communities (PLCs), and staff meetings.

• Partner with the Mentor Teacher to maintain proactive, positive communication with families regarding student performance and growth.

• Adhere to all federal, state, and district compliance rules, including student privacy (FERPA), mandatory reporting guidelines, and exceptional student education (ESE) requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum Education & Program Eligibility: Conferred Associate Degree (or a minimum of 60 earned college credits) from an accredited postsecondary institution. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all undergraduate coursework. Proof of acceptance or enrollment in a state-approved teacher preparation baccalaureate program with a participating higher education partner.

• Certifications & Clearances: Must hold or be eligible to receive a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Certificate from the State Department of Education upon hire. Successful completion of a comprehensive Level 2 background screening and fingerprinting process.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: A deep commitment to the school's mission, equity, and supporting students who may face barriers to graduation. Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively within an instructional team. High level of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a coachable mindset open to real-time feedback.