Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program

Tennessee's Grow Your Own initiative laid the foundation for what is now the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)—a nationally recognized model that creates seamless, sustainable pathways into the education profession. Originally launched in 2020 to address teacher shortages and strengthen local educator pipelines, the program has since evolved into a registered apprenticeship system approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The launch of the registered apprenticeship program was made possible through a strategic partnership with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, whose involvement was instrumental in aligning the model with statewide workforce priorities and expanding access to high-quality educator pathways.

Registered Apprenticeships are high-quality, paid training programs that combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience under the guidance of an experienced mentor. In education, this means apprentices are employed in schools from day one and earn while they learn—gradually building the skills needed to become licensed teachers or school leaders. Tennessee currently offers Registered Apprenticeships for teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals, making it a national leader in education workforce development.

In the state of Tennessee, the RTAP involves a multi-faceted approach to a workforce problem by engaging multiple levels of stakeholders:

Registered Apprenticeships for Educators

Interested in becoming a teacher or school leader? Learn how Registered Apprenticeships offer a paid pathway into the profession. Explore eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect as you grow into a career in education.

Already enrolled in an apprenticeship program? Access key resources to stay on track—from coursework and licensure requirements to support services and mentor expectations.

General RTAP Information

Support the success of your apprentices with guidance, tools, and compliance resources. This section includes program implementation materials, partnership requirements, and reporting guidance for districts and EPPs.

LEA Apprenticeship Coordinators:

EPP Apprenticeship Coordinators:

Invoicing Requirements:

Find frequently asked questions, policy documents, timelines, and contact information. Stay informed with the latest updates and supports related to Tennessee’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

General RTAP documents:

Registered Apprenticeship Applications (For Apprentices)

 

Explore the evolution of our program, including key developments, achievements, and official press releases that highlight our journey and impact.

In October 2020, the Tennessee Department of Education awarded $2 million in grants to seven Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to expand Grow Your Own partnerships with school districts. These partnerships provide no-cost, paid pathways into teaching, removing barriers and increasing enrollment in teacher preparation programs. As a result, 37 districts launched or expanded programs, supporting over 250 individuals in becoming teachers. Notable initiatives include high school-to-teacher pipelines, pathways for education assistants, and licensure programs targeting high-need subject areas like STEM, Special Education, and ESL.

In June 2021, the Tennessee Department of Education awarded $4.5 million in Grow Your Own grants to 13 Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs) across the state. Each grant, totaling $100,000, supports partnerships between EPPs and over 50 local school districts, aiming to create innovative, no-cost pathways for individuals to become licensed teachers in Tennessee. This initiative builds upon a previous $2 million investment, culminating in a total of $6.5 million dedicated to strengthening the state's teacher pipeline. Through these efforts, more than 650 aspiring educators are expected to earn their teaching credentials without incurring tuition costs, thereby addressing teacher shortages and promoting educational equity statewide.

  • In January 2022, Tennessee became the first state in the U.S. to establish a permanent, federally registered Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship program. This initiative, a collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Education, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, and Austin Peay State University, builds upon the state's existing Grow Your Own programs. It offers individuals the opportunity to become licensed teachers for free while earning a wage through job-embedded training. The program aims to address teacher shortages, remove barriers to entering the profession, and serve as a model for other states to develop similar teacher apprenticeship pathways.
  • In May 2022, the Tennessee Department of Education and the University of Tennessee System launched the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center, a $20 million initiative aimed at expanding the state's teacher pipeline through innovative apprenticeship models. As the first state-sponsored Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship program in the U.S., Tennessee's Grow Your Own Center serves as a centralized hub to support aspiring educators, school districts, and Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs) statewide. The center offers technical assistance, develops new credentialing pathways—including endorsements in special education and ESL—and provides no-cost, job-embedded training opportunities. Leveraging the UT System's presence across all 95 counties, this initiative seeks to remove barriers to the teaching profession and ensure every student has access to high-quality educators.

See how Tennessee is continuing to strengthen and scale its educator workforce strategies through new initiatives and long-term priorities.

Tennessee’s Registered Apprenticeship model continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of schools and districts across the state. Building on early success, the department is focused on four key priorities that aim to further stabilize and strengthen the educator pipeline:

  • Expanding educator pipelines to ensure a consistent supply of well-prepared candidates.
  • Providing high-quality mentoring to equip apprentices with the support they need to succeed.
  • Promoting strategic staffing and differentiated pay models that create sustainable and attractive career pathways.
  • Recruiting and retaining educators to meet student needs and stabilize Tennessee’s education workforce.

By aligning with these priorities, the department is helping to build a more robust, equitable, and sustainable system to support future educators across Tennessee.

As part of this continued work, the Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program (PRAP) will officially launch in Fall 2025, expanding apprenticeship opportunities beyond the classroom and into school leadership roles—ensuring districts can grow and retain exceptional leaders from within.