The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is pleased to announce the launch of the Utah Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers (U-RAPT), a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the state’s teacher shortage by providing a competency-based pathway for individuals to enter the teaching profession without a bachelor’s degree. The launch follows the passage of Board Rule R277-333, Registered Apprenticeship Program, which authorizes the establishment of U-RAPT and promotes a competency-based licensing program for aspiring educators across Utah.
U-RAPT is a collaborative effort between local education agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education, and other local stakeholders committed to strengthening Utah’s teacher pipeline. The program has garnered significant interest statewide, with the University of Utah, Weber State, and Salt Lake Community College acting as the initial related instruction providers. Employment partnerships have been established with Ogden School District, Itineris Early College High School, Alpine School District, and Spectrum Academy. Additionally, seven institutions of higher education and 15 LEAs across Utah have expressed a strong interest in joining the program.
This program is structured into two distinct phases. The Pre-Apprenticeship Phase is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career in education, but who have no formal post-secondary education. The Apprenticeship Phase is geared towards individuals who want to become licensed teachers, and allows participants to receive support through degree completion and preparation to achieve a professional educator license.
There are several benefits of the U-RAPT program, including:
- Paid Employment: Both pre-apprentices and apprentices will receive progressively increasing compensation as they demonstrate competency.
- Mentorship: Participants will work with educators in a public school setting, gaining valuable hands-on experience and guidance.
- Paid College Tuition: Financial assistance is available for all instruction costs related to becoming an educator, making the pathway accessible to a broader range of Utahns.
- Professional Licensure: Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, participants will earn a professional educator license in any teaching area, including elementary, secondary, or special education.
“This program’s launch marks a significant advancement in teacher preparation pathways within the state. We hope that U-RAPT helps aspiring teachers overcome barriers that had previously prevented them from pursuing this career,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson.
For more information about U-RAPT and how to get involved, please visit the Utah State Board of Education website: www.schools.utah.gov
