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Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship

The Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program is a strategic initiative designed to prepare work-ready teachers through existing employment at an eligible school district or early learning center, aiming to increase the number of certified teachers and address education workforce shortages. A partnership between Oklahoma CareerTech and the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO), the Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program will provide eligible participants with a scholarship. By participating as an apprentice in the Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program, apprentices complete education training from one of the six regional universities and complete on-the-job training under a mentor at their school district or early learning center. Apprentices will pursue a standard certification through the Assessment of Professional Knowledge exam. 

Email the required documentation listed under the "How to Apply" section below to apprenticeships@careertech.ok.gov by Tuesday, August 5th at 11:59 PM CST.


Program Information

  • The Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program is available for the 2025 – 2026 academic year and eligible apprentices can participate in an apprenticeship during a single semester (fall or spring only) or throughout both fall and spring semesters.
  • A separate application will be required for each semester.
  • Participants must:
    1. Successfully pass their enrolled coursework at their RUSO university and
    2. Complete the apprenticeship requirements with their school district or early learning center before the scholarship will be applied to their bursar account.
  • Coursework and the apprenticeship must be completed in the same semester.
  • The scholarship amount is up to $10,000/semester. The amount will vary depending on the remaining unpaid balance of tuition, books, and certification voucher exam (if applicable) costs.
  • All other applicable financial aid (excluding student loans) must be applied to bursar balance prior to Teaching to Teach being dispersed.
  • Teaching to Teach scholarships are not eligible for cash refunds to the student.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who are on track to obtain standard certification within 24 months.
  • Program spots are on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, so we recommend early application submissions.
  • Failure to fully complete program requirements and provide requested supporting documentation will result in scholarships not being applied to student’s bursar account. 

Eligibility

  • Actively employed (full or part-time) at an Oklahoma school district or early learning center
  • Participation requires employer commitment to support apprenticeship on-the-job learning and mentorship
  • Individuals applying through an early learning center must be employed at a facility (i.e. Head Start) requiring teachers to obtain the Four-Year-Olds and Younger Teaching Certification
  • Pursuing alternatively certified, emergency certified, and/or standard certification through Oklahoma State Department of Education
  • Enrolled in (by the start of the upcoming semester) at an approved Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) university in an education/teacher preparation degree or certification program. Approved RUSO universities include:
    • East Central University (ECU)
    • Northeastern State University (NSU)
    • Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU)
    • Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SEOSU)
    • Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)
    • University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)

How to Apply

Email the following required documentation to apprenticeships@careertech.ok.gov by Tuesday, August 5th, at 11:59 PM CST.

  • Completed “Part 1: Program Application” signed by apprentice
  • Completed “Part 2: Apprenticeship Agreement” signed by employer, apprentice, and RUSO university
  • Completed “Part 3: On-the-Job Learning Competencies” agreed upon by employer and apprentice
  • Copy of OSDE teacher certification pathway approval showing required coursework to obtain teacher certification

Applications will be reviewed and approved on a “first-come, first-serve basis;” therefore, early submissions are highly encouraged. CareerTech staff will reach out with program acceptance determinations no later than Friday, August 15, 2025, at 5 PM.


Contact Us

Joe Cox
Apprenticeship Specialist
(580) 430-1234
Location: High Plains Tech - Woodward

Jill Reavis
Grant Project Coordinator
(405) 743-5193
Location: EOC Tech - Choctaw

For additional questions about the Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program, please email apprenticeships@careertech.ok.gov.

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Last Modified on Jul 15, 2025
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