Prince William and VDOE highlight teacher apprenticeships as state expands registered programs; board approves several new endorsement programs

State and local presenters highlighted rapid expansion of registered teacher apprenticeships and described outcomes from a paid apprenticeship pilot, while the advisory board approved a slate of new educator-preparation endorsement programs.

Shauna LeBlanc of VDOE opened National Apprenticeship Week remarks and said the federally designated week includes thousands of events nationwide. She reported that 33 Virginia school divisions are approved to offer registered teacher apprenticeship programs as of September and that state apprenticeship-expansion grant awards are expected to be announced in December.

Shelby Elliott of Prince William County described the division’s partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University’s RTR residency/apprenticeship. Elliott said Prince William launched a paid teacher apprenticeship in 2024 (initial cohort of 18 apprentices, later adding nine) and that apprentices receive full tuition and fees coverage, a progressive salary and benefits, a 195-day contract, and a required three-year service agreement on completion.

Elliott described program supports and outcomes: mentor teachers receive a $4,000 stipend, the division uses a 33% local cost share for program expenses, VCU provides coursework and mentor training, and the program showed substantial applicant growth after moving from an unpaid residency to a paid apprenticeship option. She said VCU’s RTR has prepared roughly 374 teachers, with about 40% of graduates being teachers of color and an 82% three-year retention rate in initial placements.

Following the presentations, AvTel considered action items. Dr. Torbert presented a list of new endorsement programs recommended for approval from several institutions (Christopher Newport University; Emory and Henry University; Liberty University; Old Dominion University; University of Lynchburg; Virginia Commonwealth University; Virginia Tech; and others). A board member moved to approve the list with a correction (Emory and Henry College should read Emory and Henry University); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: VDOE expects to release apprenticeship grant awardees in December and will continue technical assistance for districts implementing registered teacher apprenticeships. Approved endorsement programs will move to the Board of Education for final approval and subsequent implementation steps.