Workforce Development Initiatives
VREC has worked in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Education, Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont National Education Association and various institutions of higher education to develop new pathways for individuals to become licensed teachers in Vermont.
Our overall goals are to:
…recruit and develop high quality teachers from high schools, career centers, and Vermont institutions of higher education.
…retain and support teachers through continued professional development and professional learning networks.
…be responsive to the field by developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of schools while meeting the needs and interests of potential new teachers.
Increase the diversity of the teaching workforce by providing opportunities for historically underrepresented groups to enter career pathways.
The intent of the VREC Workforce Development Initiatives is not just to supplement existing pathways, but to leverage clinical field experiences and intensive support so that newly licensed teachers are better prepared. We seek to increase the rigor of preparation while eliminating financial, access and regulatory barriers that often make it unattractive, difficult or impossible for individuals to pursue a career in education
Overview of the Three Workforce Development Initiatives.
The intent of the VREC Workforce Development Initiatives is not just to supplement existing pathways, but to leverage clinical field experience and intensive supports so that newly licensed teachers are more and better prepared. We seek to increase the rigor of preparation while eliminating financial, access and regulatory barriers that often make it unattractive, difficult or impossible for individuals to pursue a career in education.
Emerging Pathways
Post-Baccalaureate Registered Apprenticeship Pathway for Teachers of Record: VREC was instrumental in launching Vermont’s first registered apprenticeship program (RAP) for teacher licensure. Thanks to a grant from the Agency of Education, VREC conducted research into “Grow Your Own” initiatives across the country and coordinated efforts between the Agency of Education, Department of Labor and the Vermont National Educators Association. 29 new teachers, on provisional or emergency licenses, from seven SU/SDs within the Collaborative, participated in the “RAP” during the 2024-25 school year. This program is now administered by the Emerging Pathways Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Education and has expanded to include additional SU/SDs outside of the Collaborative. To learn more, contact Amelia Wurzburg, Emerging Pathways Coordinator at the VT AOE: Amelia.Wurzburg@vermont.gov
Alternative BA Registered Apprenticeship Pathway for Support Staff: VREC’s initial work was around developing what is often referred to as an “Earn & Learn” pathway for those typically working as para-educators, or other support staff positions. This was based on research into “Grow Your Own” programs in other states and feedback from Superintendents from within the Collaborative. Initially, there were no higher ed partners in the state that were in a position to create such a program and efforts to align with providers from outside the state stalled after several attempts. Fortunately, Vermont State University and the Community College of Vermont are now working closely with the Emerging Pathways Coordinator at the Agency of Education to move forward with developing a program to launch in the fall of 2026. Although VREC is not directly engaged in the creation of this program, we remain involved in advocacy and outreach to SU/SDS within the Collaborative to promote participation. To learn more, go to the Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program or contact Amelia Wurzburg, Emerging Pathways Coordinator at the VT AOE. Amelia.Wurzburg@vermont.gov
Post-Baccalaureate Residency Pathway: VREC received an Emerging Pathways grant from the Agency of Education in 2024 to explore the development of a residency pathway for teacher licensure in the NEK. We contracted support from the National Center for Teacher Residencies to facilitate a discovery process with potential partners in higher education. Champlain College and the Vermont Math Initiative (VMI) joined us in a deep dive into best practices around residency programs. VREC’s hope was to establish one or more post-baccalaureate residency programs with Vermont colleges or universities. Typical residency programs provide a paid internship for aspiring teachers to work within a school for a year, during which time they often begin work toward a Master’s program. VMI is currently developing a residency program for middle and high school math teachers to begin in the fall of 2027.
NEK Next Gen Teachers
The VREC NEK Next Gen Teacher initiative is dedicated to promoting careers in the field of education for high school and college students from our region.
Activities include:
High schools & CTE centers across the region collaborate through an established network to promote careers in education for secondary students.
Recruitment & encouragement through regular meetings
Coordinated work-based learning, independent study and early college opportunities
Outreach to Vermont Educator Prep Programs to add additional supports to undergrads
One-day workshop on Careers in Education planned for the fall of 2024
Financial Supports
Funding for higher education and non-degree programs can often be the most challenging aspect to pursuing a career in education. Thankfully, there are a wide range of resources available to those interested in becoming a teacher. We have compiled some information to assist you in identifying which resources may be best suited for your particular pathway.
The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation * provides a number of avenues that support post-secondary learning and some specific to careers in education.
Vermont Teacher Forgivable Loan Program: Full tuition up to $16,280. This award can be used to pay for tuition, fees, room, board, and the cost of books and supplies.
Grants: Free aid that doesn’t need to be paid back.
*Unfortunately, the State of Vermont is not currently funding this program.
If you have questions about Workforce Development Initiatives, contact VREC’s Executive Director, John Castle, at vrecdirector@gmail.com.