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Teacher Apprenticeship-SOTA

Applications for Journeyworkers and Apprentices for the 2026/27 academic year are now open! Click the link below to apply!

 

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 recruit a maximum of 20 apprentices each cohort.

Current Status of The Program

  • SOTA’s first cohort began in August 2025, with plans to add a second cohort in August of 2026
  • Applications for SOTA Apprentices (Cohort 2) open on December 16th, 2025 and close on January 30th, 2026
  • Interviews for Apprentices are scheduled for February 11th and 18th
  • Applications for SOTA Journeyworkers open on December 16th, 2025 and close on January 30th, 2026
  • Interviews for Journeyworkers are scheduled for February 25th and March 4th
  • Grow Your Own Grant funds have been secured to support the SOTA program
  • We continue to seek additional Grant funds

SOTA Journeyworker Job Description

SOTA Teacher Apprentice Job Description

Journeyworker FAQs

Apprentice FAQs


SOTA Details

Why SOTA?

SOTA offers a learn-while-you-earn pathway that allows aspiring teachers to develop their practice in a real classroom setting while being supported throughout the licensure process. Apprentices engage in a hands-on, applied learning model that emphasizes growth, coaching, and professional skill development.

How the Apprenticeship Works

SOTA is structured as a three-year apprenticeship built around clearly defined roles that support apprentice growth:

  • Teacher Apprentice
     Builds instructional skills while working in schools and progressing through licensure requirements.
  • Journeyworker Teacher
     Serves as the cooperating teacher and provides day-to-day mentoring and coaching.
  • SOTA Coordinator/Navigator
     Oversees communication, coordination, and ongoing program support.

Learning Model

The program blends:

  • On-the-job learning in K–12 classrooms
  • Related technical instruction through university coursework
  • Ongoing mentorship and coaching from experienced educators

This integrated approach allows apprentices to immediately apply learning in authentic classroom contexts.

What a Day May Look Like

Apprentices balance classroom responsibilities with protected learning time. A typical day may include:

  • Dedicated apprentice learning time
  • Working in classrooms as a paraeducator
  • Opportunities for reflection, planning, and skill development alongside a Journeyworker

This structure supports both professional learning and meaningful classroom experience.

Program Impact

SOTA supports:

  • The development of high-quality, classroom-ready teachers
  • Stronger recruitment and retention within the profession
  • Reduced barriers to entering teaching through a supported, structured pathway

You may contact Josie Ammerman at sota@willmar.k12.mn.us with any questions.

 

Learn About the SOTA Program