Idaho launches innovative teacher apprenticeship program to fill job openings

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho openings for K-12 teachers remains robust, with over 1,500 unique job postings in 2023, and 2,000 in 2022 according to Lightcast data, and the demand isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. Employment projections by the Idaho Department of Labor anticipate a continued need, forecasting 1,500 to 1,600 statewide openings annually from 2022 to 2032.

To become a teacher in Idaho, an individual must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, complete an educator preparation program, complete an unpaid student teaching program and pass a State Board-approved content assessment to receive an endorsement for proper certification.

As of right now, there is a discrepancy between how many Idahoans obtain their certification and how many job openings need to be filled. Comparing 2021 data alone, approximately 1,594 educators completed their program, while Lightcast reported 2,231 job openings. That leaves a little over 600 jobs with the potential of being more difficult to fill.

As a solution to fill these K-12 teacher job openings, the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education created an alternative pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Idaho — without the four-year baccalaureate degree. Even so, teacher apprentices still have the option to complete the required training and obtain a baccalaureate degree.

Implementation for the approved program is currently underway.

The newly approved program gives future certified teachers on-the-job training where they can “earn while they learn” just like any other traditional Registered Apprenticeship training program.

Mike Keckler, chief communications officer for the State Board, believes that in a state that is struggling to recruit and retain teachers, this program will especially help rural areas of Idaho.

“The Teacher Apprenticeship program is another tool to help address this problem. Many of our rural schools have paraprofessionals working in them that have established ties to the community,” Keckler said. “The goal is for the program to create career pathways for paraprofessionals to become certified teachers and work in their local schools without having to uproot, and move, to attend teacher preparation programs located at our higher education institutions.”

K-12 teacher jobs continue to increase along with student enrollment numbers.

Over the past five years, Idaho’s K-12 public school enrollment has increased by over 16,000 students and added 45 schools but only gained 1,100 teachers. This has resulted in a consistent ratio of 14.5 students per teacher statewide. In 2023, 7% of individual schools had more than 25 students per teacher compared to only 1% in 2018.

With enrollment going up, it is more important than ever to retain teachers.

Currently, only 60-70% of early career instructors in Idaho continue teaching beyond the five-year certification period. Idaho’s teachers also are aging, with over 60% of teachers over age 40 and almost 20% over age 55.

“The ability to recruit and retain qualified teachers will be critical to avoid potential future teacher shortages in Idaho due to retirement or general turnover,” said Labor Economist Lisa Grigg.

This isn’t the first time a program like this has been created in the U.S. to fill job openings and create more certified teachers in the classroom.

Tennessee was the first state to implement the program in 2022. According to Tennessee education officials, the program has the potential to make teaching more attractive by boosting diversity in the workforce and reducing barriers. Programs have also been launched in 31 states and territories in 2023, with similar programs continuing to be developed nationwide.

Idaho is in a unique situation as its program won’t require a baccalaureate degree when other states still require one, such as Tennessee.

“I am hopeful this program will have great success in incentivizing Idaho teachers. Many states are adopting this model and paying teachers in training, and I think some have seen significant increases in teachers becoming certified as a result,” Grigg said.

School districts and charter schools are becoming involved and getting apprenticeship programs approved by the State Board. Five public school districts and three charter schools — Castleford School District, Dietrich School District, Hansen School District, Hayden Canyon Charter School, Heritage Academy Charter School, Middleton School District, Pocatello Community Charter School and Richfield School District — have all signed agreements to participate in the apprenticeship program to help grow their workforce. These schools are working with the State Board to create their implementation plan for a successful launch.

Aspiring teacher apprentices may have a variety of experiences that include serving as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher or other roles that provide transferrable skills. Once enrolled in the program, they receive three years of training through related technical instruction and on-the-job learning.

Participants also have an option to pursue a baccalaureate degree with the related technical instruction providers to obtain an associate or baccalaureate degree. Universities and community colleges providing related technical instruction include Boise State University, Brigham Young University, College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College and Northwest Nazarene University.

Idahoans who want to pursue the program are encouraged to sign up for IdahoWorks and check school websites for job postings.

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