The Georgia Department of Education is proud to announce a milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen the educator workforce. Catherine, a dedicated paraprofessional who has served her community with distinction, has officially become the first graduate of Georgia’s Para‑to‑Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway.
Her achievement marks a major step forward for the Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program, one of GaDOE’s innovative strategies designed to expand teacher recruitment, grow homegrown educators, and meet local workforce needs across the state. Her success demonstrates what is possible when talent, opportunity, and structured support come together to elevate future educators.
Catherine is the first of many: more than 132 teaching apprentices across 29 school districts are currently enrolled in the program, each preparing to transition into full‑time classroom roles in the coming years.
The Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program allows paraprofessionals to earn while they learn, providing structured mentoring, hands‑on experience, and supported pathways to certification. This model is designed to meet the needs of districts facing teacher shortages while empowering aspiring educators to grow their careers without leaving the classroom.
The milestone is being celebrated across participating districts, including Crisp County Schools, where Catherine’s work and completion of the program were recently recognized in board announcements and district communications. Learn more by visiting Crisp County Board Brief: January Edition | Crisp County Schools