UAF Teacher Apprenticeship Program

UAF School of Education offers a two-year apprenticeship pathway, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, for elementary, secondary, and special education. This "learn-while-you-earn" program combines structured academic instruction with on-the-job learning while working in a K-12 classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Apprentices complete their related instruction coursework through the UAF School of Education, selected as the district’s approved Education Preparation Provider and, upon completion of the program, earn a credential to teach in Alaska. The elementary, secondary, and special education programs support the Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (T-RAP) model, allowing individuals to work full-time in a student-facing position while completing their certification requirements.

Description of programs

Teacher teaches elementary students words
B.A. in elementary education

The bachelor’s in elementary education is a hands-on program that prepares you for high demand teaching careers in Alaska and across the country. The two year apprenticeship takes matriculated students through the final phase of their Bachelor’s degree program and includes numerous fieldwork experiences and complementary coursework in a wide range of content areas. Our program also integrates resources, knowledge and experiences unique to Alaska—offering unique insights and training specific to the geographic and cultural context of our state.

  • The Special Education Minor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education allows students to complete all requirements for the BA in Elementary Education, as well as the Special Education minor requirements.
An enthusiastic student teacher holds up two animal skulls
B.A. in secondary education

The University of Alaska Fairbanks- School of Education prepares students for secondary teaching, through distance coursework for students throughout Alaska. The two year apprenticeship takes matriculated students through the final phase of their Bachelor’s degree program and includes numerous fieldwork experiences and complementary coursework in a wide range of content areas. Our program also integrates resources, knowledge and experiences unique to Alaska—offering unique insights and training specific to the geographic and cultural context of our state. The requirements for a secondary school teaching certificate include completion of both a major in an academic subject area appropriate to teaching in the secondary school and the professional education sequence. The teaching major must be in an academic subject area approved for the State of Alaska secondary school teaching certificate and available as a B.A. degree: art, biology, English, French, German, history, mathematics, political science or Spanish.

  • The Special Education Minor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education allows students to complete all requirements for the BA in Secondary Education, as well as the Special Education minor requirements. 
A student teacher goes over a paper with a student
Postbaccalaureate Teaching Certification in Elementary Education
For candidates that hold a bachelor’s degree, you may earn your post baccalaureate teaching certification in elementary education from anywhere in Alaska. You can become a certified elementary teacher in two years while you are employed. This program gives you maximum flexibility, and specialized training to teach in rural and urban Alaska. Our post baccalaureate certification program in elementary education (with K-8 teacher certification) is grounded in local knowledge and experience.
A teacher gives a science demonstration with a lit tea light in a beaker
Postbaccalaureate License, Secondary Education

For candidates that hold a bachelor’s degree in an academic subject area approved for the State of Alaska secondary school teaching certificate, you can earn your post baccalaureate teaching certification in secondary education from anywhere in Alaska. You can become a certified secondary teacher in two years while you are employed. This program gives you maximum flexibility, and specialized training to teach in rural and urban Alaska. Our post baccalaureate certification program in secondary education (with 6-12 teacher certification) is grounded in local knowledge and experience.

Students hold a discussion across a desk in the UAF School of Education
Special Education K-12 Postbaccalaureate Certificate
For candidates that hold a bachelor’s degree, but do not hold an existing teaching license, you can complete the two year apprenticeship program for initial teaching certificate (ITC) with K-12 Special Education licensure. For candidates that hold a bachelor’s degree and already hold an existing teaching license (K-8 or 6-12), you can add a K-12 special education endorsement (AEND) on an existing teaching license through the two year apprenticeship program.

 

Additional information

Questions?

For district leaders and partners

Elizabeth Greninger
Teacher Apprenticeship Program Director
egreninger@alaska.edu
907-474-5802

For prospective apprentices

T.J. O’Donnell
Teacher Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
tjodonnell@alaska.edu
907-474-6447