Strategic Initiatives

MA's Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)

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 into hard-to-staff roles.

Cultivating Future Educators Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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 for little to no cost.

Why Choose RTAP?

  1. Cultivating a Diverse and Effective Pipeline in Local Communities
    RTAP addresses the need for a teaching workforce that mirrors the diversity of Massachusetts's student population. By focusing on recruiting and supporting aspiring teachers from the increasingly diverse communities in which they live, RTAP will help to ensure that our classrooms are led by educators who represent the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of all Massachusetts communities.

  2. Job-Embedded Preparation in Hard-to-Staff Roles
    RTAP aims to create better teachers, particularly in some of our 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.

  3. Equitable Access
    RTAP 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.

Program Highlights

  • 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 supervising practitioner who provides guidance, feedback, and support throughout the program, as well as a program supervisor from a partner educator preparation provider to support meaningful application of coursework to practice throughout their apprenticeship term.
  • Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices (CLSP>): RTAP includes training in culturally and linguistically sustaining practices for both supervising practitioners 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.

Where RTAP Is Now

RTAP is moving from design and approval to implementation. DESE is partnering with seven inaugural districts to launch RTAPs with EPP partners beginning in Fall 2025:

  • Everett Public Schools (Bridgewater State University)
  • Lowell Public Schools (UMass Lowell)
  • Lynn Public Schools (Salem State University)
  • Martha's Vineyard Public Schools (Fitchburg State University)
  • Randolph Public Schools (Stonehill College)
  • Salem Public Schools (Salem State University)
  • Waltham Public Schools (Bridgewater State University)

Who Should Apply?

RTAP is ideal for districts committed to fostering a more diverse teaching workforce and those seeking to strengthen the pipeline into hard-to-staff roles. We especially encourage participation from those looking to cultivate pipelines into special educator roles, ESL positions, early childhood classrooms, and secondary STEM positions.

MA's Department of Elementary & Secondary Education is the intermediary for all RTAPs in MA and serves as the authorizing agency to the state's Division of Apprentices in the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Districts must apply in partnership with an approved educator preparation provider (EPP) serving as the related technical instruction provider to ensure all participants are fully supported to meet all preparation and licensure requirements throughout the apprenticeship process.

How to Apply?

The application window is generally open in the Fall and Winter months. When open, districts apply in partnership with an approved EPP and submit materials addressing need, program design, OJT/RTI plans, mentor selection/training, wage progression, and sustainability. To be notified about the next application cycle, as well as ongoing resources and support, please complete the RTAP Interest Form .

Quick Links

  • Bachelor's Degree-Granting Pathway: RTAP Programmatic Requirements & Work Process Schedule (includes PST-aligned OJT expectations and RTI outline)
  • Post Bachelor's Degree-Granting Pathway: RTAP Programmatic Requirements & Work Process Schedule (includes PST-aligned OJT expectations and RTI outline)
  • RTAP Interest Form (stay informed about office hours, resources, and future application windows)
  • FAQs (eligibility, mentor criteria, teacher-of-record policy, funding uses)

Past Webinars and Resources

Watch past videos and view PowerPoint presentations about the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program.

Contact

Questions about RTAP can be sent to EducatorApprenticeships@mass.gov

Last Updated: September 8, 2025

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