Gov. Reynolds Announces Teacher Apprenticeship Grant Program

Governor Reynolds announced the launch of a first-in-the-nation Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program during her annual Condition of the State Address.

The grant program will provide opportunities for current high school students to earn a paraeducator certificate and associates degree and paraeducators to earn their bachelor’s degree all while learning and working in the classroom. The program will begin in the 2022-23 school year.

The Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Workforce Development Agency will use 9 million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funds to create the model program which will train and educate current high school students and paraeducators for the next step in their teaching careers while they learn, work, and get paid in Iowa schools.

Through the grant program, school districts will be required to partner with local community colleges or four-year colleges to provide the required education and training. Up to $40,500 will be provided over a three-year period for each high school student that completes the Paraeducator Certificate or Associates degree model.