Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program
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 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:
- Successfully pass their enrolled coursework at their RUSO university and
- 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 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
For additional questions about the Teaching to Teach Apprenticeship Program, please email Apprenticeships.
