Delaware Continues to Deepen and Develop its Educator Pipeline

Leaders and legislators in Delaware have utilized a multi-pronged approach to develop the state’s educator pipeline, with a focus on recruiting, training, and supporting educators. Those efforts include strengthening high school Teacher Academies, establishing apprenticeships and “Grow Your Own” programs, expanding year-long teacher residencies, and increasing compensation.  

Rep. Kim Williams, who chairs the House Education Committee, has led these efforts over multiple years. “We’ve made incredible strides in recruiting and retaining great teachers by investing in them and removing barriers to the classroom,” she said recently.  

A new slate of bills looks to continue Delaware’s commitment to educators.  

HB 51 will establish a pre-apprenticeship option for teachers in training, as well as create an apprenticeship for paraprofessionals/teacher aides. The goal of a pre-apprenticeship is to give students a jump-start on their career path.  

In a pre-apprenticeship, students can engage in a series of advanced courses that count toward their official educator certification—similar to how a dual enrollment course yields college credit while students are in high school. 

The Teacher Aide Apprenticeship program, to be established by the Delaware Department of Education, is designed for paraprofessionals (also known as teacher aides) who are working toward an associate degree. The program will provide paraprofessionals with structured, on-the-job training and coursework. It will be linked to teacher residency and apprenticeship programs, allowing teacher aides to transition to certified teacher roles while benefiting from career advancement and wage increases throughout the program. 

This bill builds on the framework created by HB 138 (152nd GA), which established teacher apprenticeships in Delaware. Apprenticeship programs are an effective earn-and-learn model for career development that provides real-time, on-the-job training and mentoring, while also offering the professional training required for career growth. 

Rodel agrees that by breaking down barriers to the teaching profession, providing economic and professional support, we can ensure our aspiring educators are well-prepared to serve Delaware’s diverse student population.  

As interest in apprenticeships in teaching has grown among districts and charter schools, the pilot program that started with Appoquinimink School District and Wilmington University has expanded.  

Two related bills have been introduced this year: SB 52, which removes barriers to retired educators filling substitute positions, and HB 12, which would provide scholarships to Teacher Academy graduates enrolled in Delaware education preparation programs. This scholarship provides one more way Delaware students can pursue a career in education at no cost or very little cost to them—and even get paid while they go to school, through programs like apprenticeships and residencies. 

Related Topics: affinity groups, burnout, covid-19, Delaware education, delaware schools, middle grades, professional development, Red Clay School District, School Leadership, Teacher Effectiveness, Teacher Evaluation, teacher pathways, teacher prep, Teacher Preparation, teacher voice, voices from the classroom