Summary
The University of Southern Mississippi has launched the Mississippi Center for Apprenticeships and Residency in Education (MCARE), the state's first center dedicated to teacher apprenticeships and residency models. MCARE aims to address Mississippi's teacher shortage by offering innovative pathways into the teaching profession, including a new Registered Principal Apprenticeship Program and opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate teacher candidates.
This initiative reflects a growing commitment to expanding access to education careers through earn-and-learn models, integrating mentorship with academic training. By reimagining teacher preparation, Southern Miss is not only fostering the next generation of educators but also strengthening the educational framework within the state.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
The establishment of MCARE highlights the potential of registered apprenticeship programs to fill critical workforce gaps, particularly in education. By providing structured, on-the-job training alongside academic coursework, these programs can effectively prepare candidates for successful careers while addressing pressing shortages in the field.