Dozens of aspiring educators in Colorado are taking an unusual path to earn their teacher certificates.  

They’re doing apprenticeships in public schools as part of a state program that offers an alternative path to gaining a teacher’s license and bachelor’s degree. Proponents see the program as a partial solution to Colorado’s teacher shortage, which resulted in thousands of unfilled classroom positions last school year. 

Teachers’ apprentices spend about four years getting experience in the classroom while taking courses on the side through Colorado Mountain College. It’s a different model from more traditional bachelor’s degrees that require years of coursework before setting foot in the classroom.    

Advocates say it opens doors for those who find the traditional college route to becoming a teacher prohibitive due to lack of time and money.  

Erica Breunlin is a reporter with the Colorado Sun. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about how the program works and what it promises for teachers and students in Colorado. Read Erica’s recent story on the program.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.