New state-sponsored apprenticeship program for aspiring teachers relies on model established in St. Mary’s County and seeks to fill vacancies with more homegrown candidates.
Last week Governor Wes Moore announced Maryland’s first state-sponsored registered apprenticeship program for teaching that was built off a model started in St. Mary’s County. The program will enable aspiring teachers to receive more hands-on training, mentorship, and paid work experience while reducing the out-of-pocket cost of earning a degree and license.
From the Governor’s press release:
“If someone is raising their hand to teach our children, they should be rewarded with opportunity, not burdened by debt,” said Gov. Moore.
Unlike traditional educator preparation programs, Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program apprentices will begin working in the classroom while they earn their college degree and teaching license. Through partnerships with colleges and universities, apprentices will have access to flexible course offerings, and opportunities to earn college credits for their on-the-job learning. Some de-regulation components in the Governor’s Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act of 2026 – HB 504 / SB 429 paved the way for this flexibility with statewide institutions of higher education.
Labor Secretary Portia Wu shared:
“If someone has a passion for education, we want to prepare them with the skills, experience, and certifications they will need to be successful—because their success is Maryland’s success,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “This apprenticeship program opens doors for Marylanders who want to teach, but may not have the resources to pursue a traditional path.”
The program’s first cohorts in Washington and Caroline are expected to begin in early 2026. When fully scaled, the program will be open to participants across the state and provide opportunities for a range of candidates from high school students considering a career in teaching, to mid-career professionals preparing for a career pivot.
Currently, half of Maryland’s teachers come from other states, making a statewide registered apprenticeship program for teaching a vital component for enabling more Marylanders to pursue teaching careers, according to state officials. Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright said that not only will they be able to earn a wage while working towards their credentials but that the program when fully scaled means more students will have the opportunity to learn from teachers who come from communities like their own.
