Vermont State University apprentice program aims to boost teacher ranks

News release  |  April 30, 2026

As Vermont and the nation recognize National Apprenticeship Week, Vermont State University is highlighting a new registered apprenticeship opportunity available for aspiring educators.

In partnership with the Vermont Agency of Education and Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont State University will offer courses for a new Teacher Apprenticeship program, enabling students to work toward a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the university, which leads to dual licensure in Elementary Education (grades K-6) and Special Education (grades K-8). 

Courses will be offered in 7-week sections, online, and will be self-paced. Current K-12 school employees looking for a bachelor’s degree or education licensure are encouraged to explore the offering, as many will be able to receive credit for the on-the-job learning available at their school. 

“Vermont will need thousands of teachers in the next two decades,” stated Vermont State University President David Bergh. “This offering is intended to eliminate barriers, meeting the needs of both Vermonters who want to become educators and the schools that need them to teach.” 

The courses for the apprenticeship will be offered starting in the fall, in addition to Vermont State’s popular 4-year campus-based Bachelor of Education program and the stackable “2 + 2” pathway currently offered with Community College of Vermont. 

“The great thing about this program is the access it offers to Vermont State University’s high-quality education program,” added David Kupferman, Dean of the Schools of Arts & Communication and Education, Psychology, & Social Science at VTSU. “Enabling students to start with the education pathway that works for them and builds on the experiences and credits they bring to this program increases accessibility and affordability on their way to a Bachelor’s degree and licensure.” 

National Apprenticeship Week began on Sunday, April 26, and continues through Saturday, May 2, with the goal of recognizing the impact Registered Apprenticeship programs have on strengthening the state’s workforce and economy.

Core to Vermont State University’s mission is the accessibility of its learning opportunities and academic and workforce programs. Meeting learners where they are with a flexible program that works for them brings higher and continuing education within reach for adult learners, individuals changing careers, and those needing to work while attending school. Apprenticeship offers an “earn while you learn” model, enabling individuals to gain hands-on experience and on-the-job training while earning a paycheck. 

The Center for Workforce & Professional Education at Vermont State University offers Registered Apprenticeships in Electrical and Plumbing, Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships, and more. Over 320 employers partner with the university for the plumbing and electrical apprenticeships, and increasing numbers of Vermonters are taking advantage of these opportunities, the university announced earlier this year, making this education model one of the fastest-growing modalities at Vermont State. Vermont State’s new Teacher Apprenticeship is the university’s latest offering.

Students interested in the Teacher Apprenticeship, as well as schools interested in learning more about this opportunity, should contact Rebecca.Pastor@VermontState.edu or 802-635-1307.