Teacher Apprenticeship | Ball State Teachers College

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Cardinal Pathways to Teaching

Cardinal Pathways to Teaching is a K-12 Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (T-RAP), established in Indiana in 2022 by The Pursuit Institute, Ball State, and the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville, has expanded to include several school districts such as Westfield-Washington Schools, Hamilton Heights Community School Corporation, and others in 2023. T-RAP aims to nurture local talent by investing in students early, providing them with extensive experience working with children and familiarity with the local school culture. It's a collaborative effort involving Ball State, The Region 5 Workforce Board, and participating school districts, facilitated by The Pursuit Institute.

Students, employed by school districts, participate in dual credit courses while working in local elementary schools or aftercare programs and earning a wage. Each school district determines apprentice application and selection criteria. Mentorship by licensed teachers is a cornerstone of the program, with mentors guiding apprentices' development and signing off on completed competencies. Competency documentation, maintained by the Region 5 Workforce Board, is essential, and regular communication between students and mentors is expected. For detailed employment information, employees should refer to the school district's handbook. For more information on applying to be a teacher apprentice, contact your local school district.

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