Connecticut State Department of Education

Welcome to the Connecticut Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program!

What is the Connecticut Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)?

The Connecticut Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program is established under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 10-146j(a) which allowed the Department of Education beginning in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, to create an educator apprenticeship program to allow students to gain classroom teaching experience while working toward becoming a full-time certified teacher upon completion of the program.

Working with the Connecticut Department of Labor, the Connecticut Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program was approved and launched with two pilot school districts, New Britain and Waterbury with four registered apprentices. This year, the program has 54 registered apprentices in seven school districts. It is the goal of CSDE to expand the program to offer more school districts to participate in this teacher educator pathway. This pathway is part of CSDE’s effort to address the teacher shortage in Connecticut, to fill shortage areas and to diversify the educator workforce. It is an important component of the CSDE 6 – 16 Educator Pathway to promote careers in education.

Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program Pathway Infographic - From EdRising to Loans

The goal of the SBE Bord strategic plan is to have “Every Student Prepared for Learning, Life, and Work Beyond” All learners are supported including those with high needs, and have equitable access to education regardless of background or advantage, including access to great teachers and leaders and a diverse educational workforce.

Connecticut State Board of Education Comprehensive Plan 2023-2028

Watch: A New ERA in Education: Introduction to RA Programs for Educators

Watch: A New ERA in Education: Voices from Registered Apprenticeships Programs for Educators

General Information

Who Should Apply?

  • Districts
    • School districts interested in hiring a teacher apprentice must partner with a CT-approved educator preparation program
  • Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs)
    • EPPs interested in supporting candidates in an alternative pathway to employment as a classroom teacher
  • Aspiring Teacher Apprentice
    • Undergraduate students in their senior year who are enrolled in a CT-approved educator preparation program seeking to earn while they learn
    • Individuals with a bachelor’s degree interested in enrolling in a CT-approved educator preparation masters-level program seeking to earn while they learn

Earn While You Learn

  • The RTAP program allows college students to earn income while gaining hands-on experience during their student teaching semesters.

Connecticut’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs for Teachers - Presentation Slides

Licensure/Certification Entity

Licensure provides the professional and public assurance that educators have met state teaching standards and have demonstrated their readiness to teach and improve student learning. This is integral in all educator apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Office

Apprenticeship offices run by DOL OA at the national level and the SAA at the state level assist sponsors with developing and registering all aspects of the apprenticeship standards. Additionally, they help monitor the program for compliance, connect sponsors with supplemental education providers, and provide information to partners on available funding sources to support apprenticeships.

Contact Us

For general inquiries, please email: SDE.TeacherApprenticeship@ct.gov
IMPORTANT: For emails containing sensitive information, please include “[Secure]” at the beginning of the subject line.