Grant Supports New Teacher Apprenticeship Program

11/15/2024

SPC has been awarded a $322,524 grant from the Florida Department of Education for the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG). The grant provides funds to establish new or continue and/or expand existing registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs.

SPC was awarded the grant for its College of Education to establish an apprenticeship program with the Pinellas County School District.

Apprentices enrolled in the College of Education at SPC will receive related instruction through baccalaureate coursework and be awarded credit hours for on-the-job training. Apprentices will also take online and hybrid courses and complete an Apprentice Impact Project (AIP) aligned with required competencies.

“We are grateful to the Florida Department of Education for this generous grant supporting our teacher apprenticeship program pathway,” said Heather Duncan, Dean of SPC’s College of Education.

“In partnership with Pinellas County Schools, we are working to address the critical need in our communities for teachers in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Student Education. This innovative program reflects our joint commitment to preparing qualified teachers for our students and schools by integrating on-the-job training with coursework designed to prepare apprentices for careers in the classroom. These are exciting times in the College of Education!”

Funding will support approximately 20 teacher apprentices over a two-year period. The grant program will also include training for mentor teachers and support faculty observations to ensure apprentices meet the specified requirements.