UF graduates first cohort of teacher apprentices in Florida (Courtesy of University of Florida News) –The Florida Department of Education oversees hundreds of apprenticeship programs, from well-known trades like electricians and plumbers to lesser-known opportunities like hotel or restaurant managers. However, teachers, professionals synonymous with education, have never had a registered apprenticeship pathway– until now.
This past weekend, the University of Florida graduated the first group of teacher apprentices in the state of Florida. UF had nine apprentices completing this pilot program, with six students graduating Spring 2024 and the remainder finishing over the summer. After graduation, these apprentices will transition into full-time, professionally certified teachers.
“This is a major milestone for the future of education across our state, as we recognize the graduates of the first teacher apprenticeship program in Florida,” said Kevin O’Farrell, chancellor for the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Career and Adult Education. “Registered apprenticeship programs offer apprentices hands-on training from experienced mentors, all while they get paid to learn. This is especially important in the education field – these teachers are graduating with the practical skills and real-world experience needed to excel in the dynamic classroom environment. As Florida continues to invest in teacher apprenticeship programs, more and more programs like this one will not only prepare our state’s educators for success, but ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve.”
UF prepared to pioneer this registered apprenticeship pathway after years of research into its potential benefits. By partnering with the Alachua County, Marion County and P.K. Yonge school districts, the university was able to develop a new collaborative approach to teacher training.
Practical teaching experience is already a cornerstone of UF’s traditional education programs. However, this is the first time that the university has engaged in a true “earn and learn” model tailored toward people actively employed full-time within a school setting.
Richard Belsky was one of those full-time employees who joined the apprenticeship program. After decades of working as a stained glass artist, he became a substitute teacher at the urging of friends and family. He acquired his temporary teaching certificate but knew he had a lot to learn on his journey to obtain his professional credentials.
“Coming from stained glass, we have very specific tools for very specific jobs and I knew I did not have those tools yet,” Belsky explained. Like most, he was familiar with the concept of apprenticeship but was not sure what to expect out of this new experience geared toward teachers.
Registered apprenticeship programs in Florida must fulfill five main requirements: employer involvement, structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, rewards for skill gains, and industry-recognized credentials.
In this apprenticeship for teachers, the school districts served as the employers. UF collaborated with participating districts to select highly skilled and experienced mentor teachers and to develop and host mentor training. The technical instruction requirement was fulfilled through an online post-baccalaureate program that the university designed to meet the needs of both the schools and the apprentices themselves.
UF’s first graduating cohort is composed primarily of paraprofessionals, long-term substitutes and educators like Belsky, who hold temporary certifications. This group reflects a range of individuals dedicated to advancing education, and the registered apprenticeship program serves as a proactive measure to support these individuals. By offering a structured pathway for those already engaged in school settings to further develop their skills and advance their careers, the program fosters professional growth and contributes to the ongoing enrichment of the education sector.
“Many of these apprentices are people already infused in their schools and their communities,” explained Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs Elayne Colón. “Rather than having them step out of the workplace to pursue a degree or receive training, they are staying in the schools they serve and we are enhancing their preparation around their full-time employment.”
Rebekah Mascari is another apprentice slated to graduate with Belsky this summer. Mascari’s journey began as a paraprofessional who wanted to take on a more active role in the classroom. After working in a special education capacity, she loved engaging with the students and decided to pursue a career in teaching.
“I realized one day that I wanted to make the lesson plans and guide the class, I wanted to be in charge,” Mascari explained. She finished her bachelor’s degree in sociology, obtained her temporary certificate, and was offered an ESE teaching position. As her first year of teaching came to a close, she was encouraged to participate in the apprenticeship program.
With an opportunity to receive both educational instruction from UF and her professional teaching certificate without leaving her current position, she jumped in. While the program is intensive, Mascari emphasized the support and encouragement she’s received, saying, “The teachers, the professors– they’re just amazing and they understand that you’re actually working and doing the apprenticeship at the same time.”
“I have so much more in my toolbelt to pull out– I even want to keep my textbooks for reference, there’s just so much I’ve learned,” Mascari elaborated. She is particularly excited about the impact her apprenticeship is having on her students in the classroom. “I love that they’re getting the best of me now and I can’t wait to go into next year with everything I’ve learned!”
Belsky echoed similar sentiments regarding the apprenticeship’s support structure, admitting he was surprised by all the intangible benefits the program has to offer.
“I feel like I have a whole team rooting for me now,” Belsky said, referring to the faculty and mentors he has interacted with throughout the apprenticeship. “I was not expecting all of that touchy-feely stuff– I was really expecting to just learn a few tools. I’m a tool guy! But it’s been so much more than that.”