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From Frankfort to the Front of the class: IU's new teacher apprentices chart a new path

KOKOMO, Ind. — In a quiet corner of Indiana, six future educators are stepping into classrooms —not just as students, but as early participants in a promising new approach to building the state's next generation of teachers.

Marsaili Abney, Inelda Southerly Ramos, Yoana Angeles, Kristina Light, Celeste Rodriguez, and Amber Shirar form the first cohort of Indiana University’s newly launched Registered Apprenticeship Program, a work-while-you-learn program for those preparing to be classroom teachers.

Their journey represents a new pathway that Indiana University has carefully designed to meet one of the state’s most urgent needs: strengthening the teacher workforce.

Building Pathways: IU’s Registered Apprenticeship for Educators

In November of 2024, The U.S. Department of Labor designated IU as a “Group Sponsor,” enabling it to work closely with participating campuses and school districts statewide to offer a comprehensive apprentice program for aspiring teachers. The new career pathway blends hands-on teaching experience with college coursework, professional mentorship—and a paycheck.

“At Indiana University, we remain deeply committed to building meaningful pathways that serve both our students and the communities they call home,” said Ken Iwama, IU vice president for regional campuses and online education.

“The Registered Apprenticeship Program represents the kind of forward-thinking partnership IU was built to lead. It is a powerful example of how IU campuses can work hand-in-hand with local school districts to address workforce needs, expand access to teacher preparation, and invest in the next generation of educators. I’m incredibly proud of the collaborative spirit that brought this initiative to life—and confident that programs like this will continue to strengthen IU’s impact across the state.”

A Department of Workforce Development Group Sponsor Expansion Grant has supported the program’s expansion.

“Through this grant, Indiana University has expanded its registered K-12 Educator Apprenticeship, offering an innovative approach to building a skilled, workforce-ready pipeline of future educators,” said Jason Graves, senior director of the DWD Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship. “This initiative enhances skill development and career readiness by creating more registered apprenticeship opportunities for educators across the state.”

Why This Matters Now

Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Education reports that almost 75% of public schools face difficulty filling vacant teaching positions. Indiana mirrors this trend; as of late 2024, the Indiana Department of Education reported nearly 1,370 teacher vacancies across the state, with especially acute needs in rural districts, special education, and STEM subjects.

Indiana University confers nearly one-quarter of all education degrees awarded in the state making it uniquely positioned—and responsible— to help close that gap. By aligning educator preparation at a participating campus with paid, local experience, the Registered Apprenticeship Program creates a talent pipeline that serves students, schools, and local communities.

“This is truly a way to support, invest, and build confidence in those who are already in the community,” said Tara Kingsley, associate dean of the School of Education at IU Kokomo. “I want people to know they can do this: You can pursue your bachelor’s degree while working full-time and staying in the community you love. It’s attainable and there are support services designed to transition you into a program so that you feel comfortable and confident.”

Investing in Local Talent: A District’s Perspective

For school districts like the Community Schools of Frankfort, the benefits are immediate and lasting.

“This partnership was a great opportunity for us, because we need teachers, and our paraprofessionals already working in the schools are invested in our community,” said Matt Rhoda, superintendent of the Community Schools of Frankfort.

“This makes a natural fit: To invest in people who live here, who will stay here after their education, and then to give them access to education to improve their career trajectory at the same time. For us, this partnership was a natural pairing, and truly a win-win for our district, for our students, and our community.”

IU’s Registered Apprenticeship Program responds directly to the real needs of schools, ensuring that those who are best positioned to serve local students—the members of the community itself—have a clear, supported pathway into teaching.

What’s Next for IU’s Registered Apprentice Program

IU’s leadership sees the Registered Apprenticeship program not as an isolated success, but as a scalable model.

“These six apprentice teachers aren’t just participants; they’re trailblazers,” said Leah Nellis, assistant vice president for the IU Office of School Partnerships. We’re not only investing in their futures—we’re investing in the long-term strength of their schools and schools like theirs across the state.”

With IU’s group sponsor designation, additional districts in partnership with participating IU campuses are expected to launch cohorts in the coming year, making this opportunity available to more aspiring educators who might not have thought college—and teaching—were within reach.

For those wondering how to recruit and retain teachers, the model offers a blueprint for success.

“For school leaders wondering how to recruit and retain talent,” said Nellis, “this program provides a roadmap—and the results are already taking root in classrooms across Indiana.”

To learn more about this program and the opportunities that it delivers, visit the Office of School Partnerships website.