A Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Degree Pathway and the Partnerships Behind It
Imagine a future where aspiring teachers can earn their degrees and gain hands-on experience, all without leaving their own communities. In the Sheldon Independent School District, which serves the Houston, Texas, area, that vision is already a reality.
This episode of Apprenticeship 2.0 brings together Kristi Kirschner, Board President of edwell, a nonprofit supporting the creation of Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs; Tamika Bartley, Success Coach 
Coordinator for the Registered Apprenticeship Program; host Joe E. Ross, President of Reach University; guest co-host Dr. Anastasia Wickham, Provost and Chief Academic Officer; and candidate Alexandra Perez. Together, they explore how one of Texas’ pioneering Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Degree Programs is helping the district build a stronger teacher pipeline from within.
What began as a response to high teacher turnover has grown into a district-driven strategy for developing paraprofessionals and community members, with edwell now serving as a growing registered apprenticeship partner across Texas, currently supporting seven districts. The program is now approaching 90 apprentices for the 2026–27 school year and has eliminated the district’s reliance on teacher job fairs to staff their schools.
These leaders also take time to explore what it takes to make teacher Apprenticeship Degree pathways work at scale, showing that strong teacher pipelines must be affordable, supportive, and realistic to help more aspiring educators succeed. Kristi Kirschner explains how edwell’s employer-led model removes barriers for districts by aligning training with staffing needs, building skills via micro-credentials, and avoiding unsustainable program structures. Alexandra Perez brings the candidate perspective, sharing that Reach has provided unparalleled support while balancing full-time work and school. Together, their stories reinforce the importance of affordable, sustainable teacher pathways.
Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.
