A bill creating teacher apprentice program designed and endorsed by the Idaho State Board of Education was unanimously endorsed by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 1069 outlines a program that, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, allows the SBOE to create a registered apprenticeship program that meets the same standards as a traditional program and targets individuals who have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree. SBOE hopes the legislation will create a path for school district classified staff members to become certified educators.
The bill also removes a provision prohibiting traditionally trained apprentices from being paid as they become certified — a provision that meets a directive from a new business item approved by delegates to IEA’s 2022 Delegate Assembly calling for legislation allowing student teachers to be paid. This bill would meet the NBI’s directive.
Senate Bill 1069 awaits consideration by the full Senate. It is co-sponsored by Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking (D-Boise), a retired educator and IEA member, and Sen. Carrie Semmelroth (D-Boise).