The Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program is an innovative, statewide initiative developed by the Georgia Department of Education to address the educator shortage and build a sustainable teacher pipeline. Teaching Apprenticeships provide a paid, mentored pathway to teacher certification by combining classroom experience as a paraprofessional, college coursework, and intentional support that empowers school districts to invest in and grow their own educators.
Since its formal launch on November 4, 2024, and with the support of a $3.9 million Apprenticeship Building America grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, GaDOE has helped 29 districts implement registered apprenticeship programs with 132 apprentices. Through grant funding, 23 rural districts are developing pre-apprenticeship “grow your own” programs that begin in high school and transition into full apprenticeships.
As a state-level sponsor, GaDOE streamlines the registration process, supports partnerships between school districts and education preparation providers, and helps unlock federal and state funding to expand access and opportunity—ensuring long-term sustainability and community investment.
Stories of Impact
The Teaching Apprenticeship Pathway is helping paraprofessionals and high school students across Georgia turn their dreams of becoming teachers into reality. These stories shine a light on the people behind the program—showing how opportunity and support transform classrooms, careers, and communities.
Meet Crystal Cerrillo, a K-12 Teaching Apprentice
Meet Jerardy Castro, a K-12 Teaching Apprentice
Meet Kelly White, a K-12 Teaching Apprentice
Meet Kristen Robinson, a K-12 Teaching Apprentice
Meet Nicole Roach, a K-12 Teaching Apprentice
Meet Nellie James, a K-12 Teaching Apprentice
Are You Eligible for a Teacher Apprenticeship?
- Enrolled in a school district that participates in Georgia’s Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program complete an education career pathway in high school while gaining hands-on experience through an education pre-apprenticeship, leading to placement in a registered apprenticeship program after graduation.
OR
Hired as a paraprofessional by a school district that participates in Georgia’s Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program (see dashboard) and seeking to obtain an undergraduate degree in any K-12 Teaching Field.
Enroll in a GaPSC-Approved Education Preparation Provider OR be working on core credits at an approved Technical College System of Georgia program and apply within the district to be selected as an apprentice. To view participating districts and coordinator contacts, visit our Teaching Apprenticeship Program School District Dashboard. For more information, email gartap@doe.k12.ga.us.
Are You a School District Wanting to Start Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program?
Visit our roadmap for LEAs for information about getting started.
Teacher Apprenticeship News
The Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program offers an innovative pathway to become a certified K-12 teacher while earning...