Teacher Apprenticeships Emerge as a Viable Solution to Educator Shortages

Strategic Insights -

A growing number of K-12 school districts across the country are facing educator shortages, with 75% of surveyed district employees believing teacher apprenticeships can help address this issue. Two-thirds of respondents view apprenticeship programs as a viable option for becoming a classroom teacher. However, lack of awareness about available programs remains a significant challenge, with over half of respondents unsure if their school or district offers such opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • 75% of district employees believe teacher apprenticeships can help address educator shortages in their respective schools or districts.
  • Two-thirds of district employees view apprenticeship programs as a viable option to becoming a classroom teacher.
  • Over half of respondents (57%) reported they were unsure if their school or district offered apprenticeship programs.
  • 60.3% of respondents noted the ability to earn a salary while learning as a significant benefit of apprenticeship programs.
  • 42.3% indicated the opportunity to follow a low or no cost pathway to certification as a benefit of apprenticeship programs.
  • 39.4% reported direct hands-on classroom experience as a benefit of apprenticeship programs.
  • 32% of respondents cited the cost of certification as a top concern in not pursuing an apprenticeship program.
  • 53% of respondents indicated financial incentives as a factor that would make them pursue an apprenticeship program.

Statistics:

  • 75% of surveyed district employees believe teacher apprenticeships can help address educator shortages.
  • 2/3 of district employees view apprenticeship programs as a viable option to becoming a classroom teacher.
  • 57% of respondents reported they were unsure if their school or district offered apprenticeship programs.
  • 60.3% of respondents noted the ability to earn a salary while learning as a significant benefit of apprenticeship programs.
  • 32% of respondents cited the cost of certification as their top concern in not pursuing an apprenticeship program.

Sources:

  • Study.com, "Teacher Apprenticeship" survey conducted online from April 28 - May 14, 2025, and including 416 K-12 school and district employees across the country (not including certified teachers).
  • Study.com opens the door to the life-changing impact of education for more than 34 million learners and educators a month through its award-winning online learning platform for K12 curriculum, college courses and test preparation.
  • Study.com has been honored as one of the world's most innovative companies by Fast Company and included in the GSV150, celebrating the world's most transformative private companies in education, for the last four consecutive years.