Learning Made Real Classroom Academy, Colleen McDonald, Luke Correia-Damude

In this episode, we are going to dive into how partnerships with institutions of higher education work and how integrating the coursework in the experience during Registered Apprenticeship Programs really benefits the Apprentices and students.

As educators, we know the research behind best practices. It is clear that the deepest and most meaningful learning takes place when you are connecting what you are learning to real life experiences, practice, and examples. Application of learning is key, and we hear it from both the Apprentices and the higher education faculty that teach and support them.

As we explore Apprenticeships for teachers in New York State, it is clear that the role of the Union is crucial in supporting and facilitating apprenticeships.

It is really legacy work. Union stewardship is the first model of teacher preparation that really values the work of the experienced school based teachers guiding the Apprentices.

Episode 2 Discusses the new thinking around school districts and regional Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) as they become the employer of teacher candidates as apprentices.

This is a very different way of thinking about training teacher candidates for school districts and BOCES. Often we hear leadership say, “but I’ve never paid student teachers before, why now?” This episode looks at how an apprenticeship where you are being fully immersed in the building and the school community for a full year or two is fundamental for the success of a new teacher.

Episode 1 discusses: the new Role of Apprenticeships in Education.

Educator apprenticeships are the hot new topic in the field as we battle a workforce crisis with the teacher shortage. In 2021, New York State launched the first teacher apprenticeship in the nation. Since then, over half the states have come on board, offering their own teacher apprenticeship programs, some through their state apprenticeship agencies and some through the federal office of apprenticeship. Despite this, people rarely looked at teacher preparation through the lens of workforce development or apprenticeships, although they have proven throughout the centuries to be a great training model to develop a well-prepared, highly-skilled workforce.

EPISODE 1:  HEARING THE CALL

One pathway into teaching is through a graduate level program.  Candidates have already earned their bachelor’s degree and maybe spent months or years in another job before realizing they want a more rewarding and impactful career.  Often these individuals hear the call of teaching and feel the pull to the importance of the work building the next generation.  Join Ana, a career changer, and Colleen, a building principal as they discuss the shift these individuals embrace in order to fulfill their career dreams. 

EPISODE 2:  CULTIVATING A PRO

How do we cultivate great teachers?  By  encouraging a culture of constant improvement of instructional practice and growth.  Join Rick, a career educator, Connor, a graduating teacher candidate, and Dr. Jean Ann Hunt, a professor of teacher preparation to discuss the work and joy of continuously growing as an educator and how to encourage that cultural dynamic in the profession.