Apprenticeships are often associated with traditional trade industries such as construction and manufacturing, but innovative programs are reshaping the landscape through engagement with new sectors such as healthcare, education, and human services. A pioneering example is the Ivy Tech Community College Teaching Apprenticeship Program, established in partnership with Kokomo School Corporation and several school districts in Indiana. Ivy Tech’s initiative creates a pathway for paraprofessionals – 93% of which are women, many of whom are mothers trying to balance work, family, and study – to earn their teaching licenses while continuing to work and support their communities.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Apprentices and Program Developers:
- Flexibility and Support Lead to Success: The program is built around the unique needs of working parents, with courses scheduled around standard business hours and concurrent assignments to fulfill multiple course objectives. “We designed our program to fit into their lives instead of them having to build their lives around our program,” states Tara Kaser, Dean for Business, Information Technology, and Public Affairs/Social Services at Ivy Tech Kokomo. This flexibility has led to high success rates. Most of the participants, many of whom previously struggling in college, are now thriving and maintaining an average 3.7 GPA or higher-grade point average.
- Financial Accessibility is Crucial: Considering most participants did not qualify for financial aid due to prior college attempts or spousal income, funding is secured through grants to ensure no out-of-pocket costs are incurred. Many participant households financially land just over the threshold for aid which can be discouraging, underscoring the importance of funding options for non-traditional students.
- Apprenticeships Benefit Both Employers and Communities: For schools, investing in local paraprofessionals offers a reliable solution to Indiana’s teaching shortage. Where 10% of teachers are on emergency licenses, this highlights a dire need in communities. “This is a viable program to fill a teacher shortage that we have in the state, and to create a pipeline of dedicated (teachers) going forward,” emphasized Nicholas Capozzoli, Executive Director at Ivy Tech Community College. “This is not a risk nor a pilot program any longer because we have a proven program of people on their way to becoming strong, qualified teachers.”
For those considering Ivy Tech’s teaching apprenticeship program, Capozzoli and Kaser advise to keep the following in mind: stay committed, advocate for yourself, and prioritize connection building. Balancing multiple responsibilities is challenging, but programs designed with support systems can make a significant difference.
“This is a pathway worth pursuing,” Kaser said. “Especially if you’re passionate about teaching and are already embedded in the school community.” Funding and support aren’t always easy to secure, but there are resources available. Don’t hesitate to seek out programs like these and ask for guidance. Forming bonds with other participants is invaluable. The cohort model helps apprentices stay motivated and provides a network of support, crucial for anyone juggling work, school, and family.
“We’re not just getting teachers,” Capozzoli emphasized. “We’re getting individuals who love our schools and communities and are invested in their success. They are ready to grow and give back even more to the students they already serve.”
