Delaware Teacher Apprenticeship Program

What the Delaware Educator Apprenticeship Program Is

Delaware expanded its Educator Apprenticeship Program through House Bill 51 to create structured "earn-and-learn" pathways into teaching. The program targets people who are already working in schools — primarily paraprofessionals and support staff — and gives them a route to a full teaching credential without leaving the classroom or losing their income.

Participants work in schools alongside experienced teacher mentors while simultaneously completing degree coursework and meeting certification requirements. The state funds key components of the program, reducing the financial barrier that keeps many school employees from pursuing a teaching degree on their own.

Who Qualifies

The program is organized through participating districts, charter schools, and higher-education partners. Individual eligibility depends on the approved cohort, which may include:

• Current paraprofessionals working in Delaware public or charter schools who want to become certified teachers
• School support staff in student-facing roles who hold some college credits but not a bachelor's degree
• High school graduates entering the pipeline through a Teacher Academy program (see HB 332) who want to stay in Delaware's educator workforce

The common thread is someone already embedded in a school community who needs a structured, affordable path to complete their degree and earn a teaching credential. The program is not aimed at career changers who have no school experience — that population is better served by the ARTC alternative route.

How the Earn-and-Learn Model Works

Participants are placed in school positions alongside experienced teacher mentors while completing degree coursework and certification requirements. Employment terms, wages, and funding depend on the participating cohort, but the state supports the program as an earn-and-learn pathway.

The program's training and education are intended to support Delaware certification requirements, but participants must still complete the applicable degree, assessment, coursework, and clinical requirements. Participants who complete the program may then apply for their Initial License and Standard Certificate through DEEDS.

The Grow Your Own Connection

"Grow Your Own" is the umbrella term Delaware uses for its teacher pipeline initiatives, and the apprenticeship program is the centerpiece. The state's logic is straightforward: paraprofessionals already know their school's culture, students, and community. Investing in their professional development produces teachers who are more likely to stay in the district long-term.

Districts, charter schools, and higher-education partners participate through approved program arrangements. Ask your district or program provider whether a current cohort is available.

How This Differs From ARTC

The Alternative Routes to Certification program serves a different population. ARTC candidates already have a bachelor's degree and enter the classroom immediately as a teacher of record under a Certificate of Eligibility. The apprenticeship program serves candidates who are still working toward their bachelor's degree.

Next Steps

If you are currently working as a paraprofessional in a Delaware school, ask your district HR office whether your school participates in the Educator Apprenticeship Program. If your district does not yet have an approved cohort, ask the district or an approved program partner whether a current cohort is available.

For the full picture of every pathway into Delaware teaching — traditional, ARTC, apprenticeship, and the 91-day substitute route — the Delaware Teacher Certification Guide maps each one with timelines, costs, and step-by-step instructions.

See more Delaware guides →