Summary
Charles County Public Schools has been awarded over $2 million from the state’s Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program to enhance its Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP). This funding will enable non-licensed school employees to pursue full-time teaching positions while receiving mentorship and coursework from local educational institutions.
The grant is part of a broader $19 million investment aimed at supporting teacher recruitment across 13 Maryland school systems. By focusing on developing existing support staff into licensed educators, CCPS is not only addressing local teacher shortages but also creating clear career pathways within the education sector, highlighting the importance of earn-and-learn models in workforce development.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This initiative exemplifies how registered apprenticeship programs can effectively bridge the gap between support roles and teaching positions, allowing individuals to grow in their careers while meeting critical workforce needs. By investing in homegrown talent, educational institutions can cultivate a more dedicated and qualified teaching workforce.