RTAP Cross-State Learning Group

Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs Preparing Special Education Teachers

We invite you to participate in a dynamic Affinity Group dedicated to expanding and strengthening Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs) that prepare special education teachers throughout the U.S.

🔍 What to Expect

  • Collaborative discussions centered on unique considerations related to the design, implementation, and scaling of RTAPs for special education teachers.
  • Cross-state learning to amplify promising practices across states and address common barriers.
  • Resource sharing to promote leveraging existing resources to build sustainable, high-quality RTAPs preparing special education teachers.

Meeting Materials

Session 1: October 28th, 2025, 3-4 EST

Spotlight on High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) in Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs) and Arkansas Special Education Teacher Registered Apprenticeship

We hosted our first Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs) Affinity Group (AG). The meeting launched with a discussion on registered teacher apprenticeships for special educators, with presentations from the CEEDAR Center and Arkansas Department of Education about their respective programs. The Arkansas program, which allows paraprofessionals to earn special education licensure while working, has expanded statewide since its pilot and includes micro-credentials and a stipend system to support educators in creating inclusive learning environments. The session concluded with discussions on High Leverage Practices (HLPs) in teacher apprenticeship programs, including the introduction of various resources and tools, followed by breakout room discussions on program content alignment and journey worker selection. 



Session 2: November 18th, 2025, 3-4 EST,

Spotlight on Purple Pathway for Paraeducators at the University of ​Northern Iowa with Dr. Kris Donnelly and Dr. Benjamin Forsyth

We hosted our second Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs) Affinity Group (AG).
The meeting opened with a discussion on registered teacher apprenticeships for special educators, featuring presentations from the CEEDAR Center and University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Dr. Linda Blanton (CEEDAR) outlined the national landscape of dual certification, noting its prevalence in 42 states and varied program designs. Research highlighted benefits for inclusion, collaboration, and addressing special education teacher shortages. Dr. Connelly and Dr. Forsyth then introduced UNI’s “Purple Pathway,” an accelerated, online, practice-based RTAP that helps paraeducators earn both elementary and special education credentials. Key challenges and opportunities included curriculum redesign, partnership models, and recruitment and retention strategies. The session concluded with Q&A and an invitation to future discussions on specialized teacher preparation through RTAPs.



Session 3: January 13th, 2026, 3-4 EST,

Spotlight on Minnesota’s Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotional/Behavioral Disorder (ASD-EBD) Dual Licensure Program

The CEEDER Center hosted a session focused on preparing special education teachers through registered teacher apprenticeships, featuring Minnesota’s dual licensure program for specialized special education teachers who support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Gina Boots and Dana Wagner shared details about Minnesota’s teacher apprenticeship program, which began in 2021 and now includes two cohorts across multiple districts. The program offers a cost-free, two-year pathway for paraprofessionals to earn special education licensure through job-embedded learning and related technical instruction, with funding coming from various grants and sources. The presenters discussed program structure, mentor selection, continuous improvement efforts, and the success of the cohort model in building supportive learning communities among apprentices. After the main presentation, participants joined breakout sessions to discuss either the EPP perspective on registered apprenticeships or the district perspective on journey worker roles, followed by a brief discussion of upcoming affinity group sessions.



Session 4: February 17th, 2026, 3-4 EST,

Spotlight on Building the Paraeducator Pipeline Using Registered Apprenticeships with Heather Perry (Gorham SD) and Amy Stevens (Council for Exceptional Children) 

The meeting focused on paraeducator training and apprenticeship programs, featuring presentations from Dr. Amy Stevens of the Council for Exceptional Children and Gorham School District Superintendent Dr. Heather Perry. Dr. Stevens shared CEC’s resources and membership benefits for paraeducators, including free access to professional development and competency standards. Dr. Perry detailed Maine’s educator apprenticeship program, which offers a clear pathway for paraeducators to become certified teachers through a combination of workplace experience and college credits. The session concluded with breakout discussions and an announcement about the upcoming March Affinity Group session, which will focus on mentor teacher preparation in apprenticeship programs.



Session 5: March 17th, 2026, 3-4 EST,

Supporting Growth on the Job: Mentoring in Teacher Apprenticeships, Featuring Programs from Missouri State University and EDHUBNY​

This meeting was the fifth session of the RTAP Affinity Group, hosted by the CEEDAR Center, focusing on supporting growth on the job through mentoring and teacher apprenticeships. The session featured presentations from Colleen McDonald from Ed Hub New York and Kaleigh Pickett of Missouri State University, followed by a panel discussion with mentor teachers Jason Sutliff and Abigail Wray, and apprentices Olivia S. and Mackenzie H. The panelists shared insights about developing effective mentoring relationships, co-planning and co-teaching strategies, and the challenges of balancing full-time work with graduate studies. Key discussion points included the importance of clear expectations, gradual release methods for leadership development, and the financial barriers apprentices face despite receiving stipends. The session concluded with a reminder about the upcoming final Affinity Group session on April 21st focusing on school leader preparation through registered apprenticeship programs.



Session 6: April 21st, 2026, 3-4 EST,

Spotlight on Rhode Island Registered Apprenticeship Principal Pathway (RIRAPP)

This meeting was the final session of the CEEDAR RTAP Affinity Group focused on the Rhode Island Registered Apprenticeship Principal Pathway (RIRAPP). The session featured a panel discussion with two current principal apprentices, Pete and John, who shared their experiences in the program, including their daily responsibilities, challenges, and how they applied program learning to their roles. Joe Pirraglia from CLEE presented details about the RIRAPP program structure, including its 12-month duration, core leadership practices framework, and continuous improvement projects that require apprentices to implement and evaluate change ideas based on student data. The discussion highlighted program challenges such as balancing apprenticeship responsibilities with daily administrative duties and the need for appropriate mentor support and training. The session concluded with questions about assessment methods, mentor training needs, and program documentation requirements.



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