Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $250,000 to Grow Massachusetts' Teacher Workforce

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $250,000 to Grow Massachusetts' Teacher Workforce Planning grants will help districts create new pathways to licensure for aspiring teachers through paid, on-the-job training and mentorship EVERETT - The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $250,000 in planning grants to help 10 school district partnerships create Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAP) that open new pathways into the teaching profession. The grants will support 16 school districts as they design apprenticeship programs with educator preparation providers, allowing aspiring teachers to work toward their teaching license through paid, on-the-job training, coursework and mentorship. "Massachusetts needs more excellent teachers in our classrooms, and we're taking action to strengthen the educator pipeline," said Governor Maura Healey. "These grants will help districts build apprenticeship programs that prepare future teachers through paid, hands-on experience while they work toward their license." "Teacher apprenticeships create new opportunities for aspiring educators while helping school districts meet their workforce needs," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "We're proud to support local partnerships that will prepare the next generation of teachers across Massachusetts." “Preparing and supporting excellent educators is one of the best investments we can make in student success,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These planning grants will help districts create high-quality apprenticeship programs that make it easier for aspiring educators to earn licensure while helping schools grow their own educator pipelines. Students benefit when educators bring deep knowledge of and longstanding connections to the communities they serve.” This grant builds on the successful launch of Massachusetts’ Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, which currently includes 27 apprentices across seven school districts and five educator preparation programs. Apprentices are preparing to teach in high-demand fields, including special education, early childhood education in dual language settings and English as a Second Language, with most expected to earn their licenses within two to three years. "Massachusetts teachers play an essential role in educating our students and preparing them for the workforce," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. "As the Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to promote Registered Apprenticeship as a proven model for employers to build great talent, our Division of Apprentice Standards values the collaboration with school districts to be a partner in this important work to attract and develop new talent that will serve as future educators." “This funding will help districts develop a framework for apprentices to work with and learn from experienced teachers and an educator preparation program,” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez said. “While creating teaching pathways that are accessible, we can also increase the diversity of our workforce, which benefits Massachusetts students.” Each recipient will receive a $25,000 planning grant to support the development of a RTAP during the 2026-27 school year. Planning activities include workforce needs assessments, program design, developing partnerships with educator preparation providers and establishing recruitment strategies. Participating districts will be positioned to launch RTAP programs as early as the 2027-2028 school year.   The grant recipients each received $25,000. The recipients are: Brockton Public Schools Easton Public Schools Holyoke Public Schools Lawrence Public Schools Newton Public Schools Quincy Public Schools Salem Academy Charter School Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District, in partnership with Quabbin Regional School District Springfield Public Schools Westfield Public Schools, in partnership with Chicopee, Granby, Hampden-Wilbraham, Greenfield, and Hadley public schools The RTAP is part of Governor Healey’s broader effort to grow Massachusetts’ workforce, including the Governor’s goal to register 100,000 apprentices across key sectors such as education, health care, and the skilled trades over the next decade. By expanding pathways into teaching, the administration is strengthening the educator pipeline and helping ensure every student has access to a high-quality education.