A s an educator shortage looms over the state, the Arizona Department of Education is launching a pilot program that enables people with only a high school diploma to work in a classroom.

The Arizona Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program, developed in collaboration with the Arizona Office of Apprenticeship, prepares future educators through paid, hands-on classroom experience under an experienced educator’s mentorship.

It combines on the job training with Educator Preparation Program coursework so participants can “earn and learn.”

Participants work in school districts under “journey workers,” or mentors, from one to four years while working toward their Arizona teaching certificate and, depending on their pathway, a bachelor’s degree.

There are two pathways, a pre-baccalaurea

See Full Page