The U.S. Department of Labor awarded Hawaii a $4.9 million State Apprenticeship Grant Expansion Formula (SAEF) to support the state’s teacher workforce by creating a statewide registered apprenticeship program for K-12 teachers.
With the grant given to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the program will support approximately 142 aspiring educators to “earn and learn” while obtaining their bachelor’s degrees at no cost. The program also sets them to become full-time teachers upon completion.
Moreover, the apprenticeship program will train nationally certified teachers to become mentors to individuals entering the teaching profession, helping retain quality, homegrown teachers.
“The reality is Hawaiʻi has faced a teacher shortage for years. Addressing it will take a coordinated effort, so I’m grateful to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board for their vision to empower our future teachers,” said Lieutenant Governor Luke.
“We have to support our future teachers by removing financial barriers and providing the benefits and mentorship they need to succeed.”
This type of apprenticeship program was first introduced in Tennessee back in 2022 and it is now being implemented across the nation.
“Expanding Registered Apprenticeships for aspiring teachers from lower-income and rural communities creates a high-quality, low-cost pathway for bringing talented and diverse candidates into the teaching profession,” said Hawaii Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi.
“This homegrown talent will reduce teacher turnover and improve student achievement in these same communities.”
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