DC launches teacher apprenticeship program

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Fifty paraprofessionals are now on their way to getting a bachelor’s degree, thanks to a new program in the District.

On Wednesday, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) officially welcomed its first cohort into the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program.

The new program helps train paraprofessionals to become certified teachers in high-demand areas, including early childhood education, elementary and special education, at no cost.

“The Apprenticeship in Teaching program is a fantastic concept – support people who know our kids, who care about our kids, and who want to become teachers in our schools,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “By removing financial barriers and building pathways specifically for high-demand subject areas, this is a win for our entire public school system.”

Apprentices will get on-the-job training in classrooms during the day while earning their degree from the University of the District of Columbia in the evening.

Members of the program said the opportunity is life-changing.

“I’m a single mom, I have two kids so trying to finish my degree was quite costly and expensive,” said Silvia Reid, who has been a teaching assistant for more than 20 years. “This will allow me to finally complete a dream and goal that I have had for a very long time, it’ll allow me to be an example to my daughters, it’ll allow me to increase my pay.”

Through the program, Reid plans to pursue a career in early childhood or elementary education.

According to OSSE, more than 400 people applied.

It’s estimated it will take apprentices between one and four years to complete the program, depending on any higher education credits apprentices may already have.

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