Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)
Earn a paycheck. Build your skills. Become a certified teacher.
ESC 19 is officially recognized as a Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) by the U.S. Department of Labor. RTAP is a paid, earn-while-you-learn pathway that takes paraprofessionals and community members all the way from teacher aide to fully certified Texas teacher — without stopping work to go back to school.
We partner with local employers, colleges, and universities to make this possible. Apprentices work full-time in the classroom, attend monthly training sessions, and complete their college coursework on a flexible schedule — all while earning a wage that grows as they do.
What Our Program Looks Like
RTAP is a structured, competency-based apprenticeship. Here’s how it works:
Work Full-Time in the Classroom
Apprentices are hired as full-time employees and placed in a classroom alongside a certified mentor teacher from day one. All apprentice positions are in the classroom for the full day.
Monthly Training Sessions
Once a month, apprentices attend a half-day training at ESC 19. Training topics rotate through four core areas: Professionalism, Environment, Planning, and Instruction. After each session, apprentices practice what they learned in their own classroom and receive coaching from their mentor teacher and an assigned field supervisor.
Cohort Model
Apprentices move through the program as a cohort — they attend monthly trainings together, connect with college partners as a group, and support each other throughout the program. A field supervisor is assigned to each cohort and serves as an additional coach, trainer, and mentor.
Mentor Teacher Program
Every apprentice is matched 1:1 with a certified mentor teacher who provides daily guidance, gradual release of teaching responsibilities, and regular observations. Mentor teachers receive quarterly training and a stipend for their service.
Wage Increases Tied to Progress
RTAP uses a 5-level wage scale. As apprentices master competencies and advance their college credit hours, they move to the next level and receive a wage increase. The wages below represent the approved minimum wage floors — each employer sets their own unique wage scale at or above these minimums. Contact your employer partner for their specific wage schedule.
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* Wages shown are approved minimums. Employer partners may offer higher wages based on their individual district or organization wage scales.
TExES Test Prep
Apprentices at Levels 4 and 5 receive TExES test preparation support during sessions on training days. Passing the Texas Success Initiative (TSIA2) is a requirement within the first six months of enrollment for K-12 Teacher apprentices.
Earn Two Credentials Upon Completion
All RTAP completers earn two distinct credentials:
- U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship — a portable, nationally recognized credential awarded to every graduate of a registered apprenticeship program, regardless of track.
- Occupational credential specific to their track — Teacher Aide track completers earn a nationally recognized Teacher Aide credential. K-12 Teacher track completers earn their Texas teaching certificate through ESC 19’s Teacher Preparation and Certification Program (TPCP).
These are two separate credentials. The USDOL certificate recognizes completion of the federally registered apprenticeship program, while the occupational credential certifies the apprentice to practice in their field.
Two Pathways to Choose From
RTAP offers two apprenticeship tracks depending on where you are in your educational journey:
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How to Apply
Teacher Aide Apprenticeship Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Bilingual in English and Spanish (for Head Start positions)
- Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or currently enrolled in a CDA program (for Head Start positions)
- Enrolled in or eligible to enroll in a program leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship Requirements
- Minimum 45 college credit hours
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Evidence of eligibility requirements above
Applications are reviewed using a rubric, and selected candidates will be invited to interview. Chosen candidates receive a start date and orientation for both employment and the apprenticeship.
RTAP & HB 2: Aligned with Grow Your Own
Texas House Bill 2 (2025) created new funding allotments and requirements that make RTAP more valuable than ever for school districts. RTAP is ESC 19’s paraprofessional-to-teacher pipeline — and it directly supports your district’s Grow Your Own goals and PREP Allotment strategy.
New Funding Available to Districts
Under HB 2, districts can claim the following annual allotments for program participants:
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How RTAP Directly Supports HB 2 Goals
- Grow Your Own: Grow Your Own Pathway
- RTAP is a structured Grow Your Own pathway that transitions your current paraprofessionals into certified teachers. Districts with apprentices enrolled may qualify for up to $8,000 per participant annually.
- Mentorship: Mentorship Requirement Built In
- HB 2 mandates mentorship plans for new teachers. RTAP builds 1:1 mentorship into its structure from day one — positioning your district to meet this requirement and claim the $3,000 new teacher mentorship allotment.
- Teacher Certification: Certification Pipeline
- RTAP apprentices complete their Texas teaching certificate through ESC 19’s TPCP — directly addressing HB 2’s timeline to phase out uncertified teachers in core content areas.
- Bilingual & SPED: Bilingual and SPED Priority
- An additional $2,000 allotment is available for SPED and bilingual candidates — a priority for El Paso-region districts. RTAP actively recruits bilingual candidates.
Is your district ready to leverage HB 2 allotments?
Contact us to schedule a partnership meeting, explore your staffing gaps, and plan your RTAP pipeline.
Head Start and San Elizario ISD Apprentices 25-26
Our Partners
RTAP is made possible through collaboration with employer partners, higher education institutions, and workforce support organizations across the El Paso region.
Employer Partners
Employers serve as the worksites where apprentices are hired and placed in classrooms. Current and developing employer partners include school districts and early childhood programs in the region. If your district or organization is interested in becoming an employer partner, contact us.
Higher Education Partners
Apprentices will attend a partnering college or university depending on where they are in their educational journey. Partners offer flexible, affordable pathways that can be completed while working full-time. Contact us for current higher education partner information.
Workforce Support Partners
Funding opportunities are available to candidates who qualify and can help cover tuition, wraparound services, and other supports such as childcare. Apprentices will be connected to the appropriate support organization based on their eligibility.
ESC 19 Teacher Preparation and Certification Program (TPCP)
Most apprentices will complete TPCP — ESC 19’s alternative certification program — to earn their Texas teaching certificate. Candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree begin TPCP in September or February.