First Teacher Apprenticeship Program in Texas Addresses Teacher Shortages

In Dallas County alone, over 3,000 early childhood job vacancies were posted in the last 12 months. Systemic challenges, low wages, a lack of benefits and supports, and no clear career path preclude many from entering the profession. Dallas College, one of the largest community colleges in Texas and a minority-serving institution, created the first four-year bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education and teaching in the state and is uniquely qualified and positioned to address the critical workforce shortage. Dallas College’s degree program, which received formal approval to launch in 2020, welcomed its first class of students in fall 2021. The program is designed around an apprenticeship model where students are employed and paid by school district partners while taking coursework toward their degree. In March 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor recognized the program as the first teacher apprenticeship program in Texas providing students with free tuition.

Innovators

• Rob DeHaas, Vice Provost, Education
• Shawnda Floyd, Provost
• Justin Lonon, Chancellor