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REGISTERED TEACHER APPRENTICESHIP

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Why This Program Exists

  • WCPS is building a teacher pipeline �from within our schools
  • Many future teachers are already working as paraprofessionals and support staff
  • The program removes barriers like tuition costs and unpaid student teaching
  • Participants can earn a degree while continuing employment

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Program Overview

  • Partnership:�WCPS, Hagerstown Community College, Frostburg State University
  • Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Maryland Teacher Licensure
  • Earn-and-learn apprenticeship model

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What Makes This Program Different

TRADITIONAL PATH:

  • Leave job to student teach
  • Pay for college tuition/�seek reimbursement
  • Take on student loan debt

APPRENTICESHIP PATH:

  • Remain a WCPS employee, take classes in the evening
  • On-the-job credit
  • Student teaching �embedded in your job
  • Tuition, books, and �materials supported

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How the Apprenticeship Works

  • Remain employed by WCPS as paraprofessional
  • Complete college coursework and on the job credit �– courses will occur online (first two years)
  • Year 3 Student teaching completed as paid �on‑the‑job learning

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Financial Support

NO COST TO THE EMPLOYEE:

  • Tuition discounts
  • FASFA Form (required) �Candidates must accept all available grants

WCPS will cover the cost of books, fees, and tuition. �No reimbursement process.

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Participant Responsibilities

  • Maintain employment with WCPS
  • Successfully complete coursework
  • Maintain program GPA requirements
  • Pass required Praxis assessments
  • Participate in any additional mentoring and training offered by WCPS
  • Upon completion of the program �teach for WCPS for five (5) years

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Areas of Certification

  • Elementary Education
  • Special Education
  • Secondary English
  • Secondary Mathematics
  • Secondary Science

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Draft Elementary Pathway Fall 2026

SESSION 1–15 WEEK

18 CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

ENG 101

English Composition

3

COM 108

Introduction to Human Communications

3

First 7.5 Week

Second 7.5 Week

ID

NAME

CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

PSY 101

General Psychology

3

First 7.5 Week (Experiential Learning)

Second 7.5 Week (Experiential Learning)

ID

NAME

CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

EDU 101

Introduction to Education

3

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MAT 107

Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics I

3

MAT 108

Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics II

3

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Draft Elementary Pathway Spring 2027

SESSION 2–15 WEEK

16 CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

PHS 104

General Physical Science

4

PSY 204

Developmental Psychology

3

MAT 160

Precalculus I

3

First 7.5 Week (Experiential Learning)

Second 7.5 Week (Experiential Learning)

ID

NAME

CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

EDU 211

Introduction to Special Education

3

EDU 212

Processes & Acquisition of Reading

3

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Draft Elementary Pathway �Summer 2027 and Fall 2027

SUMMER – 12 WEEK

13 CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

MAT 116

Statistical Reasoning

3

PHS 111

Earth Science

4

First 8 Week

Second 8 Week

ID

NAME

CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

HIS 202

United States History since 1865

3

PED 215

Early Childhood Physical Activities

3

SESSION 3–15 WEEK

16 CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

BIO 106

Unity and Diversity of Living Things

4

GEO 105

World Regional Geography

3

HUM 201

The Arts: A Creative Synthesis

3

First 7.5 Week (Experiential Learning)

Second 7.5 Week (Experiential Learning)

ID

NAME

CREDITS

ID

NAME

CREDITS

PSY 203

Educational Psychology

3

EDU 240

Education Capstone

3

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Draft Elementary Pathway Frostburg

FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND AT HAGERSTOWN

Intersession 2028

6 CREDITS

Spring 2028

17 CREDITS

ID / COURSE

CREDITS

ID / COURSE

CREDITS

ENGL 308

3

EDU 401 / ELED 307

2

EDUC 325

3

ELED 471

3

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ELED 474

3

​

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ELED 475 / REED 473

3/3

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SPED 305

3

Fall 2028

16 CREDITS

Spring 2029

15 CREDITS

ID / COURSE

CREDITS

ID / COURSE

CREDITS

ENGL 402

1

EDUC 422

3

ELED 494

6

ELED 495

9

REED 420

3

SPED 415

3

REED 425

3

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SPED 405

3

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Next Steps…

  • Submit application (live on March 30–April 6)
  • Supervisor recommendation
  • Selected candidates will participate in interview process
  • Notified of outcome (20 candidates for the 2026-2027 school year)
  • Selected candidates registered as apprentices

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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

TIM HAINES�WCPS Coordinator of Talent�Acquisition & Development

HaineTim@wcps.k12.md.us

301-766-2935

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS�Visit us online at:

wcpsmd.com/gyo-teacher-faq