Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program
The Tennessee Department of Education’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program offers paid, mentored training for aspiring educators to earn teaching credentials while working in Tennessee schools.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Education
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: Tuition covered (100%) for eligible apprentices through Fall 2027; undergraduate apprentices may receive up to $5,000/year (or $10,000 over two years); post-baccalaureate apprentices up to $2,500/year.
Summary: Paid, mentored apprenticeship program supporting aspiring Tennessee educators to earn licensure and employment in K-12 schools.
Key Information: Apprentices must be employed by a participating TN school district and meet minimum education requirements.
Description
The Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) is a statewide initiative by the Tennessee Department of Education designed to address teacher shortages and strengthen the educator pipeline. Launched as part of Tennessee's Grow Your Own initiative, RTAP provides a paid, mentored, and job-embedded pathway for aspiring teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals to earn their teaching credentials while working in Tennessee schools. The program is federally registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and involves partnerships between local education agencies (LEAs) and approved Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs). Apprentices receive on-the-job training under experienced mentors, participate in related coursework, and benefit from progressive wage schedules and tuition support.
