Teacher

The teacher apprenticeship pilot program is a new addition to a more than 100-year-old training model. The program will train teachers for instruction in elementary and middle school classrooms using the Wisconsin Apprenticeship earn-while-you-learn structure. Participants complete education requirements, certifications, and licensure while learning to be a teacher in the classroom.

The teacher apprenticeship pilot program is a partnership between employer school districts, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Technical College System, and Lakeland University.

School districts across Wisconsin are looking for new ways to attract, train, and retain teaching staff. Several school districts contacted the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to determine if apprenticeship could help solve this workforce issue. To meet employer demand and industry need, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards collaborated with partners to launch the teacher apprenticeship pilot program.

DWD established the teacher apprenticeship pilot program to meet employer demand and industry need.

Schools districts who participate in the teacher apprenticeship pilot program gain access to Wisconsin Apprenticeship, a proven talent attraction, retention, and training model. Apprenticeship provides a sustainable talent pipeline to help employers fill open roles.

Apprenticeship provides prospective teachers with greater on-the-job learning and mentorship experiences, helping them grow confidence in their ability to manage the classroom experience before teaching on their own. Apprenticeship also expands teaching opportunities to people who may not otherwise be able to afford to go to college and become a teacher. Under the teacher apprenticeship pilot program, participants earn while they learn, putting a required degree - and a teaching career - within reach.

Email apprenticeship@dwd.wisconsin.gov with any additional questions.