Less than four months into its new Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), Wichita State’s College of Education is one step closer to the goal of helping curtail the Kansas teacher shortage.
TAP is a fully online program that prepares para educators for Kansas licensure as early childhood unified / elementary education teachers. Through real-time web conferencing, TAP allows people who are already working as para educators to earn college credit for their experience in the classroom and reduces the time needed to become eligible to be hired as a classroom teacher.
More than 100 students have already started the program – twice the initial goal – with another 30 applicants ready to start in spring 2018. Those numbers are a good sign considering the persistent teacher shortage in the state. According to the Kansas State Department of Education, this fall there were 90 open teaching positions in Kansas elementary schools and at least 82 vacancies for special education teachers.
Making a difference
The TAP program stands poised to make a significant dent in that void.
“School districts have a large pool of para educators who are dedicated to their district. They’re dedicated to their profession. They just don’t have their degree,” says Shirley Lefever, dean of the College of Education.
That’s where TAP comes in with a unique format designed for those already working as paras. The curriculum uses an inverted approach, prioritizing initial course work on critical teaching skills necessary to transition the individual from a para educator to a classroom teacher without ever having to quit their job.
All course work is delivered via an online blended approach and includes a comprehensive support system throughout the program.
Para educators who meet eligibility requirements, are able to become licensed teachers in the state of Kansas after one year in the program.
It’s a win-win for students and school districts, says Shawn Roberts, principal of Scott City Elementary School in Scott City, Kansas, an area of the state that struggles to attract new teachers.
School districts with teacher vacancies are doing their best to serve their students, Roberts says. This often means larger class sizes and utilizing long-term substitutes. Other schools have reduced the programs they offer to their students.
“It is in the students’ best interest to attend a school that has a fully staffed building,” Roberts says. “TAP is an innovative idea, and WSU has worked very hard to roll out a distinguished program that helps fill vacancies across the state.”