The District of Columbia's educational landscape is set for a transformative shift thanks to a new apprenticeship initiative led by the Bowser Administration. According to a release on dc.gov, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) celebrated the launch of its first-ever citywide Apprenticeship in Teaching program at a Signing Day event. This program provides a no-cost opportunity for District paraprofessionals and high school graduates to earn their teaching certifications in subjects where demand runs high, such as early childhood, elementary, or special education.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, focusing on accessible education and enhancing the public school system, addressed dc.gov, "The Apprenticeship in Teaching program is a fantastic concept – support people who know our kids, who care about our kids, and who want to become teachers in our schools." The initiative reflects a strategic effort to eliminate financial hurdles and forge new pathways into teaching within the area's public schools. The apprentices, having served as paraprofessionals, are familiar with the schools and the students, a fact the administration believes will hold dividends for the future of education in the District.
The inaugural cohort, participating in the program since its spring 2024 inception, consists of 50 apprentices working at 23 DC Public Schools and 27 public charter schools across the District. Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell, Interim State Superintendent, told dc.gov, “We have talented paraprofessionals across the District who know our students, want a chance to lead their own classrooms, and are seeking support to do so.” These apprentices will be engaging in on-the-job learning during the day and taking coursework in the evenings at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) to earn their bachelor’s degrees.
OSSE’s partnership with UDC is central to the success of this program, as they provide the educational backbone for the apprentices. Dr. Anika Burtin, Acting Associate Dean of Academics at UDC, expressed excitement about joining the national movement to redefine the recruitment and preparation of quality teachers. She conveyed her message to dc.gov, "We are proud to partner with OSSE to launch this innovative pathway into the teaching profession." The apprentices work in both DCPS and public charter schools, coming to the program with an average of five years of experience as paraprofessionals.
The program was approved as a registered apprenticeship by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) DC Apprenticeship Council on April 12, 2024. It stirred considerable interest across the District, as evidenced by the over 400 applications received within a narrow four-week window. DOES Director Unique Morris-Hughes emphasized to dc.gov. the practicality of the program saying, "Apprenticeships are an alternative way to develop practical teaching skills and knowledge acquired on the job." It doubles as an initiative to strengthen the educator workforce pipeline within the District, providing a more accessible passage toward certified teaching roles.
The Signing Day event underscored the program's intent, where apprentices and their school leaders were recognized and the OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching contracts were signed. The attendees, including Superintendent Dr. Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Elizabeth Ross, and Director Dr. Morris-Hughes, offered insights and highlighted the collaborative effort among OSSE, UDC, and DOES that made the program a reality. With a commitment to educate District students upon completion, these apprentices herald a hopeful future for education in Washington, D.C.
