Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)

The program is designed to significantly reduce the cost of earning a bachelors degree with a professional teaching license. Candidates are required to apply for:

• FAFSA-related scholarships and grants.
• Teacher related financial aid.
• LEA-offered tuition assistance.
• IHE-offered scholarships specific to teacher preparation.

The remaining cost will be subsidized with grant funding. The goal is for the program to be cost-free to participants.

Yes. Participants remain CCPS employees throughout the program. Apprentices will be required to work as instructional assistants while completing coursework. During the final stage of programming, apprentices complete their student teaching as part of their paid employment.

The pathway is designed to take up to three years depending on the amount of coursework needed. Candidates who have earned college credits previously may finish sooner.

Sample structure:

• 1.5 years at College of Southern Maryland.
• 1.5 year at IHE.
• Clinical experience integrated into apprenticeship.

Most apprentices will take 2-3 courses per semester; however, extenuating circumstances may allow for more or fewer.

The program is designed to manageable while working full-time.

No! One of the largest advantages of the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship model is that student teaching is embedded into your employment. Instead of taking a leave of absence for unpaid student teaching, individuals complete clinical experiences as paid teacher apprentices.

Several licensure areas are options, including:

• Early childhood education.
• Elementary education.
• Secondary math.
• Secondary English.
• Special education

*Pathway availability depends on interest, coursework and workforce needs

Existing college credits may help you complete the program more quickly. IHEs will review transcripts to determine transfer eligibility. Many CCPS employees already have coursework that can be applied toward the degree. This may reduce:

• Number of courses needed.
• Completion time.
• Total cost

Upon completion, apprentices will have:

• A bachelors degree.
• A Maryland Teaching License.
• Teaching experience

Graduates are required to teach for CCPS for three consecutive years upon successful completion of the program.

Selection is competitive and designed to identify candidates who are ready to succeed and committed to teaching in CCPS. Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Work performance.
• Committment to teaching.
• Readiness for college coursework.
• Interest in serving CCPS students

Candidates who do not complete the program or fulfill the three year post-completion service commitment may be required to repay tuition and associated program cost in accordance with program agreements. Candidates should be sure this program is a good fit for their goals and life circumstances prior to applying.

Please reach out to:

Holly Dolan
hdolan@ccboe.com
Staff Growth and Retention Specialist
Office of Professional Learning