Teacher Apprenticeship FAQ's

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who may apply to be a sponsor for a registered teacher degree apprenticeship program?

Agencies with expertise in apprenticeship and/or in teacher preparation will partner with employers and may serve as teacher degree apprenticeship program sponsors. Entities interested in becoming teacher degree apprenticeship sponsors must apply to the Colorado Department of Education and be approved by the State Board of Education before planning a teacher degree apprenticeship program. The Colorado Department of Education shall determine the number of new programs to receive approval based on statewide and local needs.

When will the application for approval of teacher apprenticeship programs open?

It is anticipated that the application will open in spring 2024. The application process will be a joint effort between CDE and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, so coordination and timing of the process will need to address both departments' rules and policies.

Are there already approved teacher apprenticeship programs in Colorado?

Several programs in Colorado were approved prior to the teacher degree apprenticeship program legislation being finalized and put into law. Interested parties may find a directory of registered apprenticeship programs in Colorado here.

Will the programs that were approved prior to legislation need to re-register with CDE?

Yes, previously registered teacher apprenticeship programs must revise their programs to meet state requirements, as outlined in Colorado legislation, Colorado State Board of Education rule and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment rule and policies regarding teacher degree apprenticeship programs.

Previously registered K-12 teacher apprenticeship programs will need to resubmit their program aligned to state regulation for approval through the CDE/CDLE process. Currently, the anticipated deadline for reapplication of these programs is January 2025. (7 CCR 1108-1)

Can teacher apprenticeship candidates seek initial licensure and/or to add an endorsement to their current teacher license?

No, per 22-60.5-111.5(4)(d), C.R.S., the teacher degree apprenticeship pathway was developed only for candidates who do not already hold a bachelor's or higher degree seeking initial teacher licensure. Therefore, it is not for adding endorsements to an existing license. If a candidate already holds a bachelor's or higher degree in any field, that individual should consider alternative teacher preparation.

In which endorsement areas may a teacher apprentice be prepared?

All teacher degree apprenticeship programs must incorporate the completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university in a field of study relative to the initial endorsement content are that a teacher apprentice will pursue:

For K-12, middle school (grades 6-8) and secondary (grades 7-12) endorsements, the bachelor's degree likely would be in the same content area, such as mathematics or physical education.
For early childhood (ages 0-8), elementary (grades K-6) and special education (ages 5 to 21), the bachelor's degree must match the content area.
- Due to federal IDEA requirements, special education apprentices must confer their bachelor's degree prior to starting the required year-long teacher of record component of all approved teacher degree apprenticeship programs.

Each teacher apprenticeship candidate may be in an approved teacher degree apprenticeship program in only one endorsement area.