Garrard County Schools is proud to be the first and only school district in the Bluegrass Region to offer a Registered K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship Program! This achievement was recently celebrated with a special presentation by Ben Richardson, Apprenticeship Workforce Consultant through the Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services, Department of Labor for the Bluegrass Region. Mr. Richardson visited Garrard County High School to present a certificate recognizing the district for its leadership in offering this innovative program.
The K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship is an earn-and-learn opportunity that provides students with hands-on experience in the classroom while earning wages and working toward their teaching credentials. It’s the equivalent of what a student teacher would do after college but within a structured apprenticeship framework.
Meet Our Apprentices:
Currently, Garrard County Schools has three students working toward completing the required competencies for the K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship.
Myla Parson, a senior, is gaining invaluable experience at Paint Lick Elementary in Mrs. Burton’s Kindergarten classroom.
Adria Major, also a senior, is completing her apprenticeship at Lancaster Elementary, working alongside Mrs. Tungate in a Pre-School classroom.
Keira Miller, another senior, is preparing to begin her apprenticeship soon.
These students are not only gaining classroom experience but also building the skills needed to thrive in the education field.
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?
A Registered Apprenticeship (RAP) is a structured training program designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a specific career. The Teacher Apprenticeship Program includes key components:
Paid Job: Apprentices earn a competitive wage during their training, with guaranteed wage increases as they progress.
Classroom Learning: Apprentices receive job-related classroom instruction, either in person or virtually, to support their career development.
Work-Based Learning: Apprentices gain hands-on, structured on-the-job learning that directly applies to their teaching career.
Mentorship: Each apprentice is guided by an experienced mentor who helps them navigate their training and professional growth.
Credential: Upon completion, apprentices earn a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor, fully preparing them for licensure and certification in teaching.
Benefits:
Registered Apprenticeships benefit both apprentices and employers. Apprentices develop the specific skills needed to succeed, while employers reduce turnover costs and build a skilled workforce. For Garrard County Schools, this apprenticeship model is an invaluable tool for recruiting and developing future educators.
Garrard County Schools: A Proud Sponsor
As the sponsor of the Teacher Apprenticeship, Garrard County Schools takes responsibility for the program’s design and administration. The district oversees the recruitment of apprentices, placement in classrooms, classroom training, hands-on learning, and mentorship.
We are thrilled to be part of such a transformative initiative that not only supports our students but also contributes to the future of education in our region. Congratulations to our apprentices and to Garrard County High School for leading the way in this innovative workforce development program!
Stay tuned for more updates as our apprentices continue to work toward their teaching careers and set the stage for future educators in the Bluegrass Region.