Nebraska Department of Education Homepage

Welcome to Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeships!

Nebraska “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship

Round 4 Sub‑Grant Opportunity Now Open!

The Nebraska Department of Education is excited to announce Round 4 of the “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship competitive sub‑grant opportunity!

Application Deadline:  April 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

Teacher Apprentice Sarah Dohmen

National Movement to Elevate Teacher Apprenticeships

Across the country, momentum is building! The U.S. Department of Education is encouraging states to tackle teacher shortages by embracing Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs.

Now officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as an approved K–12 occupation. This national push is opening new doors for aspiring educators and strengthening the educator pipeline like never before. Nebraska is proud to advance this work in partnership with the National Center for Grow Your Own, whose guidance and support strengthen our efforts to grow and sustain the educator workforce.

Nebraska’s Investment to Growing Educators

Thanks to new USDOL and workforce development funding, and with continued annual investment from the Nebraska State Legislature through LB705, Nebraska is expanding its “Grow Your Own” teacher pathways. LB705 paved the way for the Nebraska Department of Education to launch the Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program in March 2024.

Program Purpose & Vision

  • Strengthen educator recruitment and training across Nebraska through a minimum 2,000-hour registered on-the-job apprenticeship model.
  • Expand access to high-quality, low-cost pathways for individuals to earn a degree and a Nebraska teaching certificate.
  • Enable apprentices to earn income while gaining classroom experience in Nebraska schools.

Scaling Up Success in Teacher Apprenticeships

A map of Nebraska organized by school district that shows the 3 school districts partnered with the Nebraska Department of Education at the start of this program in 2024. The descriptive info below the map details that the program began with 3 Educator Preparation Providers, 3 districts, and 25 apprentices
A map of Nebraska organized by school district that shows the 50 school partners that are currently partnered with the teacher apprenticeship program with the Nebraska Department of Education. The descriptive info below details that the program has grown to have 8 Educator Preparation Providers, 50 school partners, and over 200 apprentices.

Interested in becoming a teacher apprentice? Contact your HR or your Talent Administrator to ask about an existing partnership with a university or college that offers a spot for an endorsement field in the apprenticeship program!

For a more general synopsis of the program, please see our One Pager:

Future Educator Spotlight

January Spotlight - Matt Nieveen

Matt shines as a “Grow Our Own” apprentice at Freeman Public Schools. He loves his community, is always willing to help, and approaches his apprenticeship with positivity and a strong work ethic. Through hands-on learning with his mentor and collaboration across the building, Matt continues to grow as an educator. His ability to connect with students of all ages and abilities reflects his adaptability and compassion. Matt’s presence truly enriches our school community.

February Spotlight - Anna Ackah

Teacher apprentice Anna Ackah from Lincoln Public Schools/UNL

Anna has stood out during her three years as a para in LPS, known for her calm demeanor and genuine warmth. Her team eagerly welcomed her into her new role as an apprentice.

Originally from Ghana, Anna holds a degree in medicine and is drawn to Special Education for its focus on problem solving. She sees strong parallels between diagnosing and treating patients and using data to support student needs. Anna’s medical background is a powerful asset that will positively impact students wherever she teaches.

Program Success: Estimated Future Teachers

A graphic that shows the number of certified teachers that are currently employed after graduating from the program, as well as projected future teachers based on the number of currently enrolled apprentices. By August 2025, there were 12 apprentices that became certified teachers. By August 2026 the Nebraska Department of Education projects 20 more graduates. By August 2027 it's anticipated that there will be 176 more graduates that are eligible to become fully certified teachers.
  • August 2025: 12 apprentices completed the program, and 11 were hired by their training district.
  • August 2026: Another 20 apprentices are on track to become fully certified teachers.
  • August 2027: We expect 176 new graduates ready to step into teaching roles.

WATCH: Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship made the news!

Nebraska Department of Education program is working to combat teacher shortage

Growing Graduates: State program helps LPS educators blossom as classroom teachers

Resources

Education Preparation Providers & School Partners

  • EPP Handbook
    • This was designed to assist EPPs with Teacher Apprenticeships
    • Some topics covered include: NDE Reporting, Apprentice Evaluation and Monitoring, Reimbursement and the Community of Practice Meetings Schedule
  • Mentor Handbook Guidelines
    • This handbook was created to assist school partners and EPPs in finding the best methods for structuring a mentor-apprentice relationship throughout the apprentice’s on-the-job training
    • Some topics covered include: Responsibilities and Expectations of Mentor Teachers, Guidelines on selecting a Mentor Teacher, and Mentor Orientation and Training
  • If you are interested in seeing the currently established partnerships and the endorsements they have offered, please view our EPP and LEA Contacts with Endorsements

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

Staff Listing and Contact Information

Kelly Baehr
Educator Apprenticeship Partner Specialist
531-324-0742
kelly.baehr@nebraska.gov
Updated February 27, 2026 4:37pm