In a bold move to address the statewide teacher shortage and strengthen the pipeline into the profession, Morgan Hill Unified School District has launched a groundbreaking Special Education Educator Pipeline and Retention Strategy, district officials said.
As the first district in Santa Clara County to offer a Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching, MHUSD is paving the way for a new model that combines paid, in-classroom experience with academic coursework—ultimately leading to a teaching credential.
The initiative is designed to attract and retain high-quality special education teachers by expanding access to the profession, particularly for diverse and underrepresented candidates, MHUSD said in a press release.
Participants, known as apprentices, work in MHUSD classrooms while completing their required coursework through college and credentialing partners. Throughout the program, they receive structured, paid employment that includes a progressive wage scale and support from experienced mentor teachers.
The apprenticeship includes at least 2,000 hours of supervised, on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom-based instruction, meeting rigorous state and federal standards. In return, apprentices gain hands-on experience, reduce or avoid student loan debt, and benefit from consistent mentorship that prepares them for long-term success in the classroom.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to educational equity and student success,” MHUSD Superintendent Dr. Carmen Garcia said. “By investing in dedicated educators, we’re creating more opportunities for students to grow with confidence, independence and academic achievement.”
Cheryl Van Deventer, outgoing President of the Morgan Hill Classified Employees Association (MHCEA), added, “This program allows our paraprofessionals to pursue their AA, BA and special education credentials while continuing to work and earn income. It’s a win-win for our employees and the district.”
Beyond supporting individual apprentices, the program benefits the entire MHUSD community, district staff added. By building a stable, locally grown teacher workforce, the district expects to reduce recruitment costs, lower first-year turnover and foster a stronger sense of equity and representation. It also strengthens partnerships with higher education institutions and labor organizations—creating a model that is both sustainable and scalable.
With more than 30 states adopting teacher apprenticeship pathways and increased state and federal support, MHUSD’s initiative positions the district as a leader in innovative, workforce-based education solutions, the press release says.
