Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAP) in Massachusetts are innovative pathways into teaching designed to build a diverse and effective teaching workforce that reflects the rich cultural backgrounds of our students. At the heart of RTAP is a commitment to providing equitable opportunities for aspiring educators, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to enter the teaching profession for little to no cost.
RTAP offers a new pathway to earning an Initial license in Massachusetts. RTAP integrates on-the-job training with academic coursework, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This hands-on approach ensures that apprentices gain practical classroom experience under the supervision of experienced educators while simultaneously completing the requirements for Initial licensure.
Cultivating a Diverse and Effective Pipeline in Local CommunitiesRTAP addresses the need for a teaching workforce that mirrors the diversity of Massachusetts's student population. By focusing on recruiting and supporting aspiring teachers from the increasingly diverse communities in which they live, RTAP will help to ensure that our classrooms are led by educators who represent the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of all Massachusetts communities.
Job-Embedded Preparation in Hard-to-Staff RolesRTAP aims to create better teachers — particularly in some of our hardest-to-staff roles such as special education, early childhood, ESL, and STEM — by providing apprentices with on-the-job learning opportunities, personalized support and mentoring, professional development, and access to a network of experienced peers and education leaders. This ensures that RTAP graduates are well-prepared and positioned to thrive in today's classrooms from day one.
Equitable AccessRTAP is committed to expanding access to the teaching profession. By offering a no-cost pathway through full-time employment with job-embedded learning and wrap-around supports, RTAP opens doors for individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford traditional teacher preparation programs, creating a more inclusive and equitable education system.
MA's Department of Elementary & Secondary Education is the intermediary for all RTAPs in MA and will serve as the authorizing agency to the state's Division of Apprentices in the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. DESE will begin accepting applications to implement RTAP pathways from districts in Fall 2024. Districts must apply in partnership with an approved educator preparation provider (EPP) serving as the related technical instruction provider to ensure that all participants are fully supported to meet all preparation and licensure requirements throughout the apprenticeship process.
RTAP is ideal for districts committed to fostering a more diverse teaching workforce, as well as those seeking to strengthen the pipeline into hard-to-staff roles. We especially encourage participation from those who are looking to cultivate pipelines into special educator roles, ESL positions, early childhood classrooms, and secondary STEM positions.
Districts interested in running an RTAP pathway must submit a joint application with an approved educator preparation provider (EPP) to DESE for approval. The application process is designed to assess the readiness of both the district and the EPP to effectively support apprentices in accordance with program requirements and district priorities. Applications will be open in late Fall 2024 alongside a competitive grant opportunity to support funding.
RTAP Programmatic Requirements and Work Process Schedule
Interest Form (for districts and EPPs interested in learning more about RTAPs)
Application Process — coming soon
FAQs
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Click the links below to learn more about the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) —a low-cost, accessible path to becoming a teacher. The program combines on-the-job training with classroom learning, allowing aspiring educators to earn while they learn.
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Registered Teacher Apprenticeships in Massachusetts
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Cultivating a More Diverse and Effective Workforce: New Pathways Through the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program
RTAP for Educational Preparation Providers (EPP) Webinar Date: Thursday, October 24th Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST This session is specifically for educational preparation providers (EPPs) interested in the expectations and requirements for supporting RTAPs in Massachusetts. Webinar Registration
Supporting EPPs and Districts with RTAP Application Process Date: Friday, November 8th Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST This webinar helps EPPs and district leaders understand the key steps in the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP). Webinar Registration
Last Updated: October 23, 2024
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