RADFORD – Radford University’s College of Education and Human Development, in partnership with the Southwest Virginia Teacher Apprenticeship Consortium, celebrated the completion of its inaugural class of six teacher apprentices on National Apprenticeship Day, Wednesday, April 30.
The celebration was held in the Teaching Resource Center, located in Peters Hall on the Radford University main campus. The event recognized the accomplishments of the apprentices, their mentors and the school division-university partnerships that made this pilot program a success.
National Apprenticeship Day is a nationwide celebration highlighting the impact of Registered Apprenticeship in building a skilled workforce and advancing economic development. Radford University honored the individuals who have successfully completed their teacher apprenticeship and secured teaching positions in the Region 6 school divisions where they trained: Pulaski County, Wythe County, Carroll County, Radford City, and Roanoke City.
Supported by funding from the Virginia Department of Education, Radford University apprentices engaged in over 2,000 hours of paid experience while completing their bachelor’s degree coursework and demonstrating licensure competencies. This innovative Registered Teacher Apprenticeship model offers a blend of practical classroom experience, expert mentorship and university-led academic instruction to prepare future educators with the skills, confidence and community connection needed to thrive.
Radford University’s apprenticeship program was announced last February.
“The apprenticeship model promotes extensive on-the-job learning partnered with integrated coursework,” says Debbie Bays-Wilbon, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Radford University. “Apprentices enter the profession as highly qualified educators deeply rooted in their school communities.”
Class of 2025 graduate Claire Morris is one of the six apprentices now set to begin her full-time teaching career at Hurt Park Elementary in Roanoke.
“The best way to learn is by doing,” Morris says. “This model gave me the opportunity to grow as a teacher in ways I never could have otherwise.”
“Having an apprentice has been an incredibly rewarding experience for Roanoke City Public Schools,” says Mandy Horsley, Coordinator of Professional Growth and Partnerships. “It’s been inspiring to watch our apprentice, Claire Morris, grow and develop her skills with the support of her Radford University professors and RCPS mentors. Being able to hire apprentices after they complete their apprenticeship helps address the teaching shortage, ensuring that we continue to provide quality education to our students.”
“We are extremely proud of our inaugural cohort of teacher apprentices and look forward to continuing our collaboration with consortium partners to address Virginia’s teacher shortages through our innovative, hands-on educator preparation model,” says Tamara Wallace, Dean of the Radford University College of Education and Human Development.
“These six graduating apprentices deserve high praise for their dedication to an intensive preparation process as they launch their careers in service to the students of Southwest Virginia,” says President Bret Danilowicz. “We also commend the faculty and leadership across the College of Education and Human Development for their vision in creating the apprenticeship program, equipping these future educators with classroom-ready skills, and forging strong partnerships with the school districts that need them most. Congratulations to each of our teaching apprentices-we wish them every success in their new roles.”
A new cohort of 12 teacher apprentices will begin the program this fall.
