Newly approved rule to help bring teachers to Florida classrooms
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Board of Education unanimously approved rules to implement the new Teacher Apprenticeship Program Wednesday, which aims to increase the number of teachers in Florida.
The board implemented the rules following the state legislature’s approval of legislation.
“The Teacher Apprenticeship Program will provide a salary to participants as they complete the training and education needed to fulfill the requirements for a professional educator certificate,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr.
The program received $9 million to increase the number of qualified teachers.
The apprentices would begin as paraprofessionals who are paired with an experience teacher. That experienced teacher would mentor the apprentice.
The program gives apprentices on-the-job training and instruction toward a baccalaureate degree and a professional educator certificate.
“The State Board’s decision not only provides an additional pathway for entering the teaching profession but also offers flexibility to districts and higher education institutions as they prepare our future educators,” Diaz said.
