Columbia State and Lawrence County Schools Announce a Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

Columbia State and Lawrence County Schools announce a pre-apprenticeship training program for aspiring educators. Columbia State Community College and Lawrence County Schools have reached a collaboration agreement to create a pre-apprenticeship program to assist in teaching the next generation of teachers. The state-certified curriculum was created for students enrolled in Columbia State’s Associate of Science in Teaching program to help them transition into teaching and prepare for careers as teachers. The program provides hands-on instruction in classrooms, a direct entry point to the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, and a pathway for individuals who have graduated from high school or entered the workforce to receive a teaching license. Those involved in the program are also compensated. The program requires students to have a required 21 ACT score or pass the Praxis CORE exam, as well as a 2.75 GPA. This is also an opportunity for those who are currently working in schools to become certified teachers. The program’s benefits are widespread. Students and employees will not only acquire real-world experience toward their teaching goals at a low cost, but they will also assist in addressing Tennessee’s teacher shortage by preparing more qualified applicants.