ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 17, 2025) – Governor Wes Moore announced Maryland’s first state-sponsored Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, a groundbreaking initiative to address the state’s teacher shortage by providing aspiring educators with paid work experience, mentorship, and a debt-free path to licensure. The program, approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, builds on a model pioneered by St. Mary’s County Public Schools in 2024 and will begin enrolling its first cohort in Caroline and Washington counties in early 2026.
The program allows participants to work in classrooms while pursuing a college degree and teaching license, offering a practical alternative to traditional educator preparation programs. Through partnerships with colleges and universities, apprentices will access flexible courses and earn credits for on-the-job learning. This “earn-as-you-learn” approach reduces financial barriers, enabling Marylanders from diverse backgrounds—high school students to mid-career professionals—to enter the teaching profession.
“If someone is raising their hand to teach our children, they should be rewarded with opportunity, not burdened by debt,” said Governor Moore. “Today marks another step in our work to uplift the aspirations of our students and educators by closing the teacher shortage.” The initiative aligns with the Moore-Miller Administration’s efforts, which have filled over 500 teacher vacancies since taking office, supported by the recently signed Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act. This legislation promotes debt-free licensure pathways and recruitment to bolster the state’s educator workforce.
Developed through collaboration between the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland State Education Association, and Maryland Department of Labor, the program emphasizes hands-on training and mentorship from veteran educators. State Superintendent Dr. Carey M. Wright highlighted its potential to cultivate local talent: “This ‘earn-as-you-learn’ model will help address the state’s critical teacher shortage by taking a homegrown approach to preparing the next generation of educators.” She noted that apprentices will gain classroom experience while earning a salary, ensuring more students benefit from teachers who reflect their communities.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools, a trailblazer in this effort, launched Maryland’s first county-specific teacher apprenticeship in 2024, providing a framework for the statewide program. Southern Maryland residents are familiar with the region’s role in innovative education solutions, given St. Mary’s County’s proximity to major employers like the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and its strong public school system, which serves over 17,000 students. The county’s success in piloting the program underscores its commitment to addressing local and state educational needs.
Maryland State Education Association President Paul Lemle praised the initiative, stating, “A well-constructed apprenticeship program recognizes teaching is a profession that requires investment, training, and support.” He emphasized its role in opening pathways for those transitioning into teaching, meeting the needs of students and schools statewide. Currently, half of Maryland’s teachers come from out of state, making this program critical for developing homegrown educators.
The program’s initial rollout in Caroline and Washington counties will serve as a model for statewide expansion, accommodating participants at various career stages. By integrating practical experience with academic training, the initiative aims to produce fully licensed teachers equipped to address Maryland’s educational demands. The Department of Labor, a key partner, will oversee apprenticeship standards to ensure quality and consistency.
For Southern Maryland residents, the program’s roots in St. Mary’s County highlight the region’s influence on state education policy. Local school districts, including those in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, may join the program as it scales, offering opportunities for area residents to pursue teaching careers without relocating.
Maryland’s teacher shortage remains a pressing issue, with vacancies impacting schools statewide. The apprenticeship program, combined with legislative efforts, positions Maryland to strengthen its public schools, which serve over 800,000 students. St. Mary’s County’s leadership in this initiative reinforces its role as an education hub in Southern Maryland, fostering optimism for a robust pipeline of local educators.
