Vermont announced September 29 that $300,000 is available to create or expand registered teacher apprenticeships, with grants of up to $100,000 for each distinct proposal.
The Agency of Education is working with the Department of Labor and the National Center for Grow Your Own. The center will administer the competitive application and award process.
Educator preparation providers can seek support for pathways to initial Vermont teaching licensure. Each proposal must include at least one Vermont local education agency that employs apprentices and assigns mentors. Providers may submit multiple distinct proposals in a single application.
The grant announcement says tuition, required fees and books must be covered through the award and other available resources so selected apprentices pay nothing out of pocket for those expenses. The effort targets rural and underserved communities and includes preparation in evidence-based literacy instruction.
Registered apprenticeships combine supervised work with classroom instruction. Vermont's Department of Labor describes the approach as training alongside experienced professionals in a chosen occupation, giving employers a role in developing the workforce they need.
For the teacher grants, the preparation provider and school employer must therefore build a route connecting coursework, mentoring and licensure. The funding opportunity is for those organizations to develop programs.
Applications are due February 23, 2027. The agency lists the first pre-proposal conference for October 7, from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time, with additional sessions later in the application period.
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