Teacher Apprenticeship-SOTA
Current Status of The Program
- Standards have been submitted to PELSB and are under review. We continue to work with PELSB and seek program approval.
- Upon PELSB approval, the program will submit to the Department of Labor and Industry for program approval.
- The Grow Your Own Grant has been approved and we are working through a process with them to determine allocation amounts.
- We continue to seek additional grant funds.
- The application process for Journeyworkers and Apprentices is complete. Selections have been made and communicated to each individual. Participation in the program is contingent upon program approval from PELSB and DLI as well as grant funding.
- The process of matching our Journeyworkers with Apprentices has begun in anticipation of program approval.
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Program Description: By reimagining teacher preparation programs using the apprenticeship model as an alternative path for those wanting to become a licensed teacher, WPS is excited to present SOTA!
Scholars Of Teaching Apprenticeship (SOTA), a collaboration between Willmar Public Schools and Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) School of Education, is a 3-year apprenticeship program for candidates seeking a teaching license in Elementary Education and Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS). Each Teacher Apprentice will gain classroom experience as a WPS employee while receiving extensive coaching from a licensed Journeyworker teacher in a PK-12 SOTA classroom and complete the required coursework through SMSU. SOTA will begin with a maximum of 20 Teacher Apprentices in the summer of 2025.
SOTA Journeyworker Job Description
SOTA Teacher Apprentice Job Description
You may contact Alex Wolter or Shannon Cayler at sota@willmar.k12.mn.us with any questions.