As an alternative route to teacher licensure, the bill creates a
teacher degree apprenticeship program (apprenticeship program), which builds on elements of current alternative teacher licensure programs, including a bachelor's degree requirement, training programs approved by the state department of education (CDE), and structured on-the-job training. The apprenticeship program is run collaboratively with the United States department of labor apprenticeship office (DOL office) and utilizes apprentice mentor teachers and apprenticeship program sponsors.
The bill allows CDE to issue a teacher apprenticeship
authorization (authorization) to a person (apprentice) who is employed by a school district, board of cooperative services, charter school, or institute charter school (school) who is actively registered in an apprenticeship program, and who is actively enrolled in an affiliated bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution. The authorization is valid for 4 years while the apprentice completes the bachelor's degree requirement of the program. CDE may renew the authorization for 2 years. An authorization is invalid if the apprentice withdraws from any part of the apprenticeship program or fails to make satisfactory progress.
Upon application from an entity with expertise in apprenticeship
or teacher preparation, CDE shall authorize the entity to serve as a teacher apprenticeship program sponsor (sponsor). Applications to serve as a sponsor must include a proposed work process schedule and related instruction required by the DOL office. CDE shall review each application and approve or disapprove the sponsor. If approved, the sponsor may apply to CDE for approval of an apprenticeship program.
An apprenticeship program must meet the following criteria: •
Be registered with the DOL office;
•
Incorporate a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution in a related field of study relative to the licensure type; and
•
Incorporate on-the-job training in meaningful and time-saving ways.
Every 5 years after apprenticeship program approval, CDE shall
consult with the DOL office concerning the federally required audit of the apprenticeship program to ensure the apprenticeship program continues to meet requirements.
