Providence Public Schools Receives State Approval for Teacher Apprenticeship Program
From The Providence Public School District:
The Providence Public School District (PPSD) is proud to announce that its Pre-K Special Education and K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship Program has been officially approved by the Rhode Island State Apprenticeship Council. With this historic approval, PPSD becomes one of the first school districts in the state to launch a formally recognized teacher apprenticeship program. This initiative was the result of more than a year of collaboration between PPSD, the National Center for Grow Your Own, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Local 1033, and the Providence Teachers Union (PTU). The apprenticeship program will provide targeted, hands-on preparation for individuals pursuing careers in teaching, with a focus on Pre-K Special Education and K-12 instruction.
“This program is a game-changer for Providence Public Schools and Rhode Island and serves as a prime example of the systemic improvements possible with the support of RIDE,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “This innovative program opens the door for aspiring educators to earn while they learn, all while strengthening the pipeline of high-quality teachers for our classrooms. I commend the district for taking a proactive approach to develop and strengthen their talent.”
“This approval is a milestone for our district and a powerful step forward in how we grow and support our future educators,” said Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “We’re investing in the next generation of teachers by creating clear, supported pathways into the profession—especially for those who already know and love our schools.”
In recent years, PPSD has implemented several initiatives to strengthen its educator pipeline:
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Grow Your Own (GYO) Teacher Program: PPSD offers a pathway for teacher assistants to earn their Bachelor’s Degree or Post Baccalaureate Teaching Certificate at no cost, aiming to cultivate talent from within the community.
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Enhanced Professional Development: PPSD has increased access to job-embedded professional development, ensuring that teachers receive continuous support and training aligned with student needs.
PPSD will begin onboarding its first registered apprentices once the program is added to the national Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) system. The partnership marks a significant milestone in PPSD’s broader transformation work, placing teacher and student voice at the center of instructional design and continuous improvement.
