MA Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program Intent to Submit and Needs Assessment

Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program Overview 

What is a Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program? 
Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs) offer a new pathway to earn an Initial Teacher license in Massachusetts. RTAPs integrate on-the-job training with academic coursework, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This hands-on approach ensures that apprentices gain practical classroom experience under the supervision of experienced educators while simultaneously completing the requirements for Initial Teacher licensure. In Massachusetts, RTAPs focus on three key goals:  

Educator Diversity  

• When embedded in diverse communities, RTAPs help to close the gap between student and teacher demographics  
• RTAPs prioritize equitable recruitment and hiring 
• RTAPs are based in culturally and linguistically sustaining teaching and learning environments

Educator Pipeline  

• RTAPs support multiple entry points, including post-bacc paraprofessional pipelines and high school-to-college pathways 
• RTAPs provide wrap-around supports and full-time employment for the duration of the term  
• RTAPs prioritize localized, high-need, hard-to-staff roles (e.g., Early Childhood, English as a Second Language, Secondary STEM, and Special Education)  

Educator Quality  

• RTAPs are supported by approved educator preparation providers committed to equity-driven preparation and supports  
• RTAPs are aligned to all state requirements for effective preparation and licensure  
• Teacher apprentices are prepared through job-embedded teaching and learning grounded in rigorous standards for effective practice and subject-matter knowledge 

Who should apply? 
RTAP is ideal for districts committed to fostering a more diverse teaching workforce, as well as those seeking to strengthen the pipeline into hard-to-staff roles. We especially encourage participation from those who are looking to cultivate pipelines into Early Childhood, English as a Second Language, Secondary STEM, and Special Education positions.   

Districts partner with an approved educator preparation provider serving as the related technical instruction provider to ensure that all participants are fully supported to meet all preparation and licensure requirements throughout the apprenticeship process. 

Application Process and Timeline 

Stage 1: Intent to Submit and Needs Assessment 

• Purpose: Proposing, reviewing, and operating a high-quality RTAP will require a considerable amount of time and resources from districts, educator preparation providers, and DESE. The Intent to Submit and Needs Assessment stage is a high-level assessment of district readiness. It is designed to support districts to conduct an internal self-study and demonstrate alignment to RTAP goals and expectations. Districts that demonstrate alignment and readiness will be invited to complete the Full Proposal.
• Timeline: DESE will accept and review Intent to Submit and Needs Assessments on a rolling basis from November 8th, 2024 through January 15th, 2025. DESE will respond to all submissions by January 30th, 2025. Districts are strongly advised to complete this step as early as possible to allow adequate time to (a) revise and resubmit if necessary (districts have one opportunity to resubmit the Needs Assessment if not approved), and (b) complete the Full Application if approved to move forward.
• Responsible for Submission: A designee from the district. 

Stage 2: Full Application

• Purpose: Once fit has been confirmed, districts will submit a longer and more detailed application to outline the proposed RTAP’s objectives, design, and implementation strategies.
• Timeline: Full applications must be submitted in accordance with the following dates: 
  • General applications: March 31st, 2025 
  • DESE RTAP Grant Applications: February, 2025 (exact date TBA) 
• Responsible for Submission: A designee from the district with significant input from its selected approved educator preparation provider partner. 

For more a more information, including info session recordings and slides, visit the RTAP webpage. 
If you have questions after reviewing these materials, please email EducatorApprenticeships@Mass.Gov.