Welcome to Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeships!

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.

From 3 to 8 Educator Preparation Providers between 2024 and 2026
Growing from 3 to 50 participating school partners
Expanding from 25 to 200+ apprentices

What happens when an educator inspires curiosity, creates connection, and makes learning come alive? You get a future teacher like Dyllan Coop!

Dyllan has been part of the Scottsbluff school community for multiple years and has built meaningful relationships throughout the school. His mentor Cory Kinsey shared that the way he teaches science “shines a light into the soul of our young scientists” and creates connection with students.

That same passion was on full display during an art lesson on cave art. Dyllan took students all the way back to the beginning of art, explored early human artwork, and even brought the lesson to life with virtual museum tours. The students were completely engaged!

Elementary Education at Scottsbluff Public Schools

Heather Burback was nominated by her former apprentice, Anna Ackah, who shared how Heather’s mentorship helped her step confidently from the role of paraeducator into the classroom as a special education teacher. She encouraged Anna to think and grow as a teacher while providing meaningful opportunities to gain real-world classroom experience. Perhaps Heather’s greatest impact was helping Anna believe in herself as an educator. As Anna prepares to begin her first year of teaching, she reflects on the confidence and readiness her mentor helped her build along the way.

Thank you, Heather, for your leadership, and investment in Nebraska’s future teachers. Your impact extends far beyond the apprenticeship and will continue to influence students, educators, and schools for years to come.

Heather Burback, Lincoln Public Schools teacher and first Mentor Teacher Impact Award recipient.

A special thanks to Kearney Public Schools- Northeast Elementary and the University of Nebraska- Kearney for supporting Heidy’s life-changing story!