Apprenticeship Roadmap

Missouri State's Pathway

Apprenticeship Roles

Registered Youth Apprenticeship

The Registered Youth Apprenticeship in teacher education offers an innovative pathway for aspiring educators by blending real-world teaching experience with formal education. High School students work alongside experienced teachers while completing coursework aligned with state standards. This model provides practical skills, mentorship, and early exposure to the profession, creating a cost-effective, accessible route into teaching. It fosters a diverse, well-prepared teacher pipeline and addresses critical shortages in high-demand areas.

Visit with Betty Glasgow for any questions.

Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship in education prepares high school students or aspiring educators for full apprenticeship and teaching careers. It combines classroom instruction, mentorship, and hands-on experience, offering early exposure to the profession. By building key skills and aligning with apprenticeship standards, it creates a clear pathway toward a teaching career.

Find more information at Agency for Teaching, Leading, and Learning

Registered Apprenticeship

A registered apprenticeship for teachers is a formal, work-based training program that allows aspiring educators to earn while they learn. Participants gain hands-on teaching experience under the guidance of experienced mentors, while also completing coursework aligned with state education standards. This pathway provides a structured approach to teacher preparation, offering practical skills, mentorship, and professional development. By combining on-the-job training with academic learning, the apprenticeship helps develop highly qualified teachers and addresses critical shortages in the education field.

Process for Establishing Educator Apprenticeships

1. Enrollment

Training Provider:
• Register on the State Eligible Training Provider System
• Assist apprentice with enrollment into required courses
• Registered Youth Apprentices may be eligible for dual credit
• Begin classroom training as agreed upon with employer
• Maintain student competency records
• Maintain a communication link with the apprentice and sponsor

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor:
Enroll apprentices into RAPIDS

2. Training and Tracking

Training Provider:
• Maintain student competency records
• Maintain a communication link with the apprentice and sponsor
• Track student progress in related academic courses
• Report completion of classroom training to sponsor

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor:
• Track and record wage increase, education progression, and on-the-job learning completion
• Update apprentices in RAPIDS

3. Completion and Credentials

Training Provider:
• Maintain student competency records
• Maintain a communication link between education provider and the
employer

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor:
• Notify USDOL/OA that apprentices have completed requirements and are ready to graduate

Apprenticeship Tracks

Special Education

Earn a bachelor’s degree in special education.

Elementary Education

Earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Early Childhood Education

Earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

Special Education - Alternative Certification Track

Earn a master’s degree in special education with initial certification.

Special Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Emphasis

Earn a master’s degree in special education with initial certification with an emphasis in deaf and hard of hearing.

Internship Academy

Earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education or early childhood education.

Master of Arts in Teaching

Earn a master’s degree in education with initial certification.

Master of Student Affairs and Higher Education

Earn a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education.

Education Administration - Principal

Earn a master’s degree in education with principal certification.

Education Administration - Special Education Director

Earn a master’s degree in education with special education director certification.

Apprenticeship Track Potential Salaries

Education Credentials	Average Annual Salary	Description
Bachelor's in Special Education	$50,000 to $60,000	Teach academic, social, and life skills to students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Bachelor's in Elementary Education	$45,000 to $55,000	Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education	$40,000 to $50,000	Teach academic and social skills to students at kindergarten - 3rd grade level.
Master's in Special Education with Initial Certification	$55,000 to $65,000	Teachers with specialized knowledge of students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Master's in Special Education with Emphasis on Deaf or Hard of Hearing	$55,000 to $70,000	Teachers with specialized knowledge in deaf and hard-of-hearing education.
Master's in Education with Initial Certification	$50,000 to $60,000	This could be for a teacher transitioning into the classroom with an advanced degree but initial certification.
Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs	$55,000 to $70,000	This is more typical for roles in higher education administration or student services rather than K-12 teaching.
Master's in Education and Principal Certification	$75,000 to $90,000	Teachers with principal certification usually transition into school leadership roles.
Master's in Education with Special Education Director Certification	$80,000 to $100,000	A Special Education Director oversees special education programs.
Specialist Degree in Education with Superintendency Certification	$100,000 to $130,000	Superintendents serve as the highest-level administrators in school districts.

Funding Opportunities

Securing funding is essential for the successful implementation and sustainability of registered teacher apprenticeship programs. These programs provide aspiring educators with hands-on training while addressing critical teacher shortages. A variety of funding opportunities exist to support these initiatives, ranging from federal and state grants to public-private partnerships. Below are key funding sources that can help expand and strengthen teacher apprenticeships, ensuring equitable access to quality education and professional development.

U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Grants: Federal funding aimed at supporting Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), including those in education.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Provides funding through local workforce development boards to support apprenticeships in education and other industries.
Missouri Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant: State-funded initiative supporting tuition and fees for individuals pursuing highdemand jobs, including education apprenticeships.
Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grants: Federal grants designed to strengthen teacher preparation programs through partnerships between higher education and K-12 schools, which can include apprenticeship models.
Local or State Education Agencies (LEA/SEA) Grants: Funding opportunities from local or state government bodies aimed at workforce development and education initiatives.
Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grants: Federal initiative to expand apprenticeship programs, including those in education, with a focus on promoting diversity and equitable access.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative funding from businesses, foundations, and community organizations invested in improving the teacher pipeline through apprenticeships.