Registered Teacher Apprenticeship

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) knows that our most important asset is our staff and that creating strong schools starts with recruiting the best talent. DESE continuously strives for a workplace that values a community of diverse talent where everyone works together to improve education for all students as outlined in our Educational Vision (mass.edu) We believe in diverse talent. A strong, innovative, and effective team has members with diverse experiences. We believe in, and work toward, equity for all protected classes. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Our staff have the chance to lead and support work that influences over 400 school districts that serve almost 1 million learners a year. We are committed to the success of our staff and support the growth of all employees. We offer a comprehensive benefit plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and competitive salaries in accordance with individuals' experience and education. Careers at DESE also include a state pension plan.

DESE is committed to an Educational Vision with three objectives: supporting the whole student, advancing deeper learning, and cultivating a more effective and diverse workforce. The development of the state’s first Registered Teacher Apprenticeship (RTA) Program is a key initiative within this educational vision. The RTA Program Coordinator position is located in the Center for Instructional Support’s Office of Educator Effectiveness, which works to create the conditions that support the preparation, development, and retention of a diverse and effective educator workforce so that all of our students thrive. The individual will also work closely with the Center for Strategic Initiatives (CSI), which coordinates and partners with stakeholders to identify, design, pilot, and elevate strategies that advance educational equity for Massachusetts students, particularly those who are traditionally or currently underserved. Other partner centers include the Office of Educator Licensure, the Office of College, Career & Technical Educations, and the Office of Early College and Career.

Program goals include the following:

- Establish and launch a formal registered teacher apprenticeship designation in partnership with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
- Create partnerships with teacher preparation providers and K12 schools and districts to support a combination job-embedded training and related instruction over multiple years.
- Diversify the workforce.

Key initial implementation tasks include:
Summer/Fall 2024:

- Research funding streams through preparation providers and school districts that can be created to support students entering the program with little to no cost
- Develop guidebook and related resources for each role in the apprenticeship model (e.g. registered apprentice, mentor, EPP, etc.) (see TDOE-GYO-Playbook.pdf (tn.gov))
- Partner with MA districts and educator preparation providers to develop eligibility and readiness criteria
- Lead selection of Cohort 1 K12 district/EPP partner sites
- Lead procurement processes to identify and contract with professional development and technical assistance providers in support of program implementation and mentor training

Winter/Spring 2025:

- In partnership with the Office of Licensure and other Office of Educator Effectiveness staff, solidify certification process for apprentices to achieve licensure.
- Secure vendor to develop professional development academies on culturally responsive mentorship and supporting apprentices for mentor teachers.
- Launch Cohort 1 Pilot

Job responsibilities:

- Lead and complete all aspects of the development, and implementation of the MA Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program as described above.
- Consistently liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure coherence with DESE’s Educational Vision, strategic objectives, and other major related initiatives.
- Supervise staff and contracted partners as assigned to support this initiative to ensure effective implementation.
- Support the development of additional research-based educator recruitment initiatives and other efforts to diversify the educator workforce.
- Collect, maintain and monitor implementation data for reporting purposes and engage in other monitoring activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth and to regional and/or national conferences may be required.

1. Knowledge of educator pipelines in general, in particular alternative pathways (e.g., apprenticeships and internships, residencies).
2. A demonstrated track record of strong project management, individual contribution to projects, and data-driven decision-making.
4. Experience managing multiple programs and tasks and working independently in a complex work en