Bill > AB291

This bill aims to establish a new pathway for becoming a credentialed educator in California through apprenticeship programs. The legislation would require the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards to partner in developing, approving, and monitoring credentialed educator apprenticeship programs. These programs would allow aspiring teachers to gain on-the-job training while being compensated, addressing current barriers to entering the teaching profession. Key provisions include requiring at least 300 hours of paid on-the-job training, 200 hours of mentorship per school year, and completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution before serving as an educator of record. The bill seeks to create more accessible and diverse pathways into teaching, particularly in shortage areas like special education, early childhood education, bilingual education, and school counseling. It would authorize the issuance of apprenticeship certificates or permits to candidates without existing credentials who are employed by educational agencies and participating in approved apprenticeship programs. The legislation aims to remove financial barriers to becoming a teacher, provide more practical training experiences, and potentially increase teacher recruitment and retention by offering a more supportive entry into the profession.

Budget and Finance, Education, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB291