A new initiative is training 500 NC school district employees to be teachers -- without missing a paycheck
Funding And Grants

A new initiative is training 500 NC school district employees to be teachers -- without missing a paycheck

EdNC
October 15, 2026

Summary

A new initiative in North Carolina is set to train 500 school district employees as licensed teachers without the loss of their paychecks, funded by a $5.5 million federal grant. The program, managed by Western Governors University and its partners, aims to address the critical teacher shortage in the state by utilizing existing district staff for teacher training.

This initiative not only supports workforce development but also highlights the increasing role of apprenticeships in education. By enabling current school employees to transition into teaching roles, it exemplifies innovative solutions to workforce challenges within the educational sector, potentially serving as a model for other states facing similar shortages.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This story underscores the importance of registered apprenticeship programs in addressing workforce shortages, particularly in education. By allowing current employees to advance their careers while maintaining their financial stability, it sets a precedent for how apprenticeships can be adapted to various fields, including teaching.

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