DE lawmakers propose teacher apprenticeship program to address educator shortage

DELAWARE – “We’re not seeing the candidates whether it’s at career fairs or other events. We’re just not seeing the candidates we used to,” Seaford School District Human Resources Director Jason Cameron said.

The Seaford School District is just one of several in Delaware and nationwide impacted by the lingering teacher shortage.

As a response, Delaware lawmakers are introducing House Bill 138 which would form the Delaware Educator Apprenticeship Program. The Delaware Department of Education would assist with development.

The program would allow aspiring teachers to work paid positions in schools while seeking their degree. “This makes sense. It’s overtime that we come up with creative solutions. We know that this situation is dire and if we keep doing what we’re doing we’ll keep getting what we’re getting,” Rouser said.

A pilot program would run the first year between one school district and a higher learning institution like Delaware State University.

DSU Education Chair Dr. Shelley Rouser says they offer a variety of opportunities for students to get real-world experience, but this legislation tackles the concern of affordability. “That very traditional teaching experience typically involves a student spending time in the field. It’s valuable experience but it’s one that is usually unpaid,” Rouser said.

Dr. Rouser adds that the biggest concern is the steady decline seen in those seeking careers in education. “Teachers go to school and come out in debt. Their salaries aren’t often competitive with others,” Rouser said.

Despite this, Cameron says the move could make the field more attractive to newcomers and be an incentive to keep talent in Delaware. “Because they would have a huge advantage with already learning the way that we do things. Being a part of that system, they really aren’t true first year teachers when they come out of these programs because of that experience,” Cameron said.

The proposed program would mirror current initiatives like the Grow Your Own Educator and teacher residency programs, both the Seaford School District tells us they currently participate in.

If passed, the program would start for the 2023-24 school year and would expand if interest and funding were available.

The bill now sits in the House Education Committee where it awaits consideration.