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The Viking Teacher Apprenticeship Program has impressed the state’s Dept. of Labor and Industry to the tune of $100,000.  The program won the LEAP grant to  implement a learn-as-you-earn teacher apprenticeship opportunity starting in fall of 2024.   According to North Branch Superintendent Sara Paul, the department grant review team commented that the submission for funds was “mindful and forward thinking.”  Contact Supt. Paul if you have interest in being included in the first group of apprentices...651-674-1012 or [email protected].

This apprentice format is innovative in Minnesota, which is experiencing a decrease in new educators.  

North Branch representatives met with state regulators and local instructional leaders, and the school board supported a process to create this new program whereby the apprentice workforce training model can be used in an educational setting. 

Participants will earn credits towards teacher licensure while gaining on the job training supported by an experienced journey teacher.

Superintendent Paul said, “North Branch Area Public Schools will use the funding to increase participation through career advancement opportunities for current education assistants, and (through) outreach in the community to increase staffing that mirrors the demographics of our students.”  North Branch will focus apprenticeships in areas of special education, early learning and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher licenses.

The grant flows through a non-profit, so the North Branch Area Education Foundation got involved.  Kim Theis, NBAEF President, said, “The Viking Apprenticeship Design Team became aware of the opportunity for this funding and poured their time, effort and research into preparing the LEAP grant proposal and it was a success.  Since a 501 C-3 was needed the (foundation) will manage the fund and reporting.”

Members of the team include Sara Kloecki, Joanne Kreitz, Sara Paul, Todd Tetzlaff, David Treichel and Rachelle Weinand. 

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