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The Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) is a job-embedded pathway to an initial license in Massachusetts. Authorized through the MA Division of Apprentice Standards and coordinated by the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, registered teacher apprentices are paid employees who earn while they learn, completing approved coursework with an Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) while gaining supervised, in-class experience. The program is designed to expand access for aspiring educators and to strengthen local pipelines for hard-to-staff roles.
Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAP) in Massachusetts are innovative pathways into teaching designed to build a diverse and effective teaching workforce that reflects the rich cultural backgrounds of our students. At the heart of RTAP is a commitment to providing equitable opportunities for aspiring educators, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to enter the teaching profession at little to no cost.
Cultivating a Diverse and Effective Pipeline in Local CommunitiesRTAP addresses the need for a teaching workforce that mirrors the diversity of Massachusetts' student population. By focusing on recruiting and supporting aspiring teachers from the increasingly diverse communities in which they live, RTAP helps to ensure that classrooms are led by educators who represent the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of all Massachusetts communities.
Job-Embedded Preparation in Hard-to-Staff RolesRTAP aims to prepare well-qualified teachers, particularly in some of the hardest-to-staff roles such as special education, early childhood, ESL, and STEM, by providing apprentices with on-the-job learning opportunities, personalized support and mentoring, professional development, and access to a network of experienced peers and education leaders. This ensures that RTAP graduates are well-prepared and positioned to thrive in today's classrooms from day one.
Equitable AccessRTAP is committed to expanding access to the teaching profession. By offering a no-cost pathway through full-time employment with job-embedded learning and wrap-around support, RTAP opens doors for individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford traditional teacher preparation programs, creating a more inclusive and equitable education system.
Earn While You Learn: RTAP combines paid, on-the-job training with academic coursework, allowing participants to earn income while working toward their teaching licensure.
Mentorship and Support: Each apprentice is paired with an experienced mentor to serve as a supervising practitioner and provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and support. They are also assigned a program supervisor from a partner educator preparation provider to support meaningful application of coursework throughout their apprenticeship term.
Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices (CLSP): RTAP includes training in culturally and linguistically sustaining practices for both mentors and apprentices, ensuring that all educators are equipped to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
Flexibility: The program is designed to accommodate participants' full-time employment in conjunction with coursework requirements, making it accessible to individuals who are working or have other commitments.
Diverse Pathways: Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or a paraprofessional looking to advance, RTAP offers tailored pathways to help you achieve your goals.
Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs are currently operating in seven school districts, supported by five educator preparation providers:
DESE supports RTAP planning, development, and implementation through a phased grant structure designed to ensure strong program design, thoughtful implementation, and long-term sustainability.
RTAP planning grants support districts and EPP partners in designing a high-quality Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program. During the planning year, districts do not enroll apprentices. Instead, they focus on program design, partnership development, and readiness activities including:
The planning year typically takes place during the school year prior to implementation.
RTAP implementation grants support the launch and operation of state-approved RTAPs. Awards may be used to:
Implementation grants support districts as they enroll apprentices and operate RTAPs aligned to state apprenticeship and licensure requirements.
RTAP is ideal for districts committed to cultivating a more diverse teaching workforce and seeking to strengthen local pipelines into hard-to-staff roles, including but not limited to special educator roles, ESL positions, early childhood classrooms, and secondary STEM positions.
DESE reviews and approves all registered teacher apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts and serves as the intermediary and authorizing agency for the MA Division of Apprentices in the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. LEAs must apply in partnership with an approved educator preparation provider (EPP) to ensure participants are fully supported to meet all state preparation and licensure requirements throughout the apprenticeship process.
Districts interested in exploring or launching a Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program are encouraged to complete the RTAP Interest Form . Information collected through the form helps DESE understand district interest, identify potential partners, and plan technical assistance and future application opportunities. Completion of the Interest Form does not constitute an application.
Questions about RTAP can be sent to EducatorApprenticeships@mass.gov
Last Updated: February 13, 2026