Aspiring Apprentices

New York educators are in demand. ​Now, more than ever.

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New York educators are in demand. ​Now, more than ever. •

Looking to serve your community and have an impact on the future? Are you starting with a High School Diploma? Some college credits? A Bachelor's Degree?

Two men in an art classroom, one sitting and signing a paper, the other standing and pointing at the paper. Art supplies, paintings, and educational posters about art movements on the walls.

There is a paid pathway for you to earn-while-you-learn to become an educator as a childcare assistant, teacher assistant, teacher, childcare administrator, or  school administrator/building leader.

These new opportunities, where future educators participate in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), offer a structured, locally designed and consistent framework for preparing future educators for their role as Childcare Assistant, Teacher Assistant, Teacher, Childcare Director or School Administrator.  RAPs offer an application of the related instruction (often higher education coursework) in a paid position.  Apprentices are doing the work they are preparing to do in their career under the guidance of an experienced guide.  

And even better news?  The Registered Apprenticeship titles can be stacked to get support and guidance throughout your career journey.

Financial Incentives - 

  • employed in a paid position throughout the placement

  • tuition assistance and wrap around support may also be available based on program.

Key Takeaways from
Participating Apprentices!

"Earning while Learning" makes the program financially possible 

Experience Building Relationships
with Students and School
Community members

Direct Application of Related
Instruction and Coursework in "real time" deepens learning

Builds Confidence and Competencies

Valuable, Guided, Hands-On Experience Alongside an Experienced Educator

A woman with curly hair writing in a yellow notebook with a white pen.

"I feel very fortunate to be working with my teacher. She is putting into action so many of the things that I am learning about in my classes. It’s really great to see what I’d envisioned while reading come to life."   

Kris, 1st year Apprentice

Apprentice Testimonials

How do I start?

Two men are standing and talking in front of a colorful mural that features a rainbow, stars, and two women holding a megaphone, with a rainbow flag background.

No matter your background, there’s a pathway to becoming an educator through a Registered Apprenticeship Program:

High School or Some College: Begin as a childcare or teacher assistant apprentice. Work and earn while taking college courses, typically at a community college, over 1–2 years. When you are ready, and if you want, grow into a teacher preparation program.

Undergraduate Students: You can certainly work in either a childcare or teacher assistant program.  If you know you want to become a teacher, Long Island University and Mercy College offer residencies at the undergraduate level that can be combined with an apprenticeship—gaining hands-on experience while earning your degree.

Bachelor’s Degree Holders: Graduate-level residencies offer an option to earn certification while working in paid positions in classrooms. Apprenticeships are available across NYC, the Capital District, Mid-Hudson, Long Island, and more.

FAQ's

Do you want more good news?

Community colleges &
SUNY programs offer

$6,000 of tuition assistance for educator candidates registered in an apprenticeship program. This includes programs for childcare assistant, teacher assistant, teacher, childcare administrator/director and school administrator/building leader!

Start your professional journey and earn while you learn!

Program Opportunities for Teacher Prep Programs

Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) residency programs offer a strong foundation to registered apprenticeships in teaching.  They increase teacher retention, strengthen school culture, meet workforce needs, and improve student learning.

See the map or the full list below for ​current Registered Apprenticeship and college/university residency programs!

Current List

Interested in learning more about Apprenticeship?

Another Valuable Resource

The image shows the words 'TEACH NY.ORG' with 'TEACH' in large blue letters and 'NY.ORG' in smaller orange and blue letters.

TeachNY was launched in partnership with the New York State Education Department intended to help aspiring educators explore all existing pathways into the profession as well as related resources such as financial assistance.  Subscribers are eligible for up to $1,100 in scholarships and reimbursements.  So if you aren't sure Apprenticeship is the right option for you, check out TeachNY.