SAISD Receives Federal Approval for Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program
National Apprenticeship Week Is April 26 – May 2
SAN ANTONIO (April 29, 2026) — San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has received official approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for its Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, marking a significant milestone in expanding innovative pathways into the teaching profession. The program is one of a handful in Texas and first of its kind in the region, offering aspiring educators a paid, on-the-job route to becoming certified teachers.
The announcement comes as the nation celebrates the inaugural Spring National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from April 26 - May 2, 2026, highlighting the value of earn-while-you-learn models that open doors to high-quality careers while addressing workforce needs.
SAISD’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program is designed to remove barriers to entering the education field by allowing participants to gain hands-on classroom experience while receiving mentorship, professional development, and a salary. Apprentices will work alongside experienced educators as they complete their certification requirements, creating a sustainable pipeline of well-prepared teachers for the district.
“This federal approval affirms our commitment to growing our own educators and investing in the future of our classrooms,” said Dr. James Harrell, chief of Human Capital Management. “During National Apprenticeship Week, we are especially proud to celebrate a program that provides meaningful opportunities for our community while strengthening the teaching profession.”
The program aligns state investments in grow your own (GYO) programs and national efforts to expand registered apprenticeships into new industries, including education, and reflects SAISD’s dedication to innovation and workforce development.
By combining practical experience with structured training, the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program supports participants in building rewarding, long-term careers while directly addressing teacher shortages.
For more information about SAISD’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, visit: https://www.saisd.net/page/homegrown-pathways.
About SAISD
San Antonio ISD is an inclusive familia as diverse and historically rich as the city whose name it shares. As San Antonio’s founding school district, SAISD neighborhood schools have served the heart of the Alamo City for more than 125 years. Today, SAISD serves approximately 44,000 students across more than 80 schools in our culturally proud, urban community. The district offers a wide variety of programs, including dual language, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, early college high schools and other career exploration pathways. Along with traditional school models, it also offers academies comprising of non-traditional grade ranges, including Pre-K through eighth grade. For more information, visit www.saisd.net.