This Minnesota House bill (H.F. No. 1538) proposes funding for teacher apprenticeship programs to support workforce development. It appropriates money from the workforce development fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to reimburse school districts for registered teacher apprenticeship programs. The funding is a one-time appropriation.

Key requirements for selected apprenticeship programs include: 1. School district involvement to ensure skill development. 2. Structured on-the-job training with an experienced mentor. 3. Related instruction from an approved teacher training program. 4. Wage increases for participants as they gain skills. 5. A structured training sequence leading to a Tier 3 teaching license.

School districts are eligible for the funding and encouraged to collaborate with higher education institutions, charter schools, and cooperative units to develop programs. They can also integrate teacher residency or "Grow Your Own" programs and combine funding from other teacher recruitment initiatives.

The Minnesota Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Industry and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, will establish funding criteria, oversight mechanisms, and legislative recommendations to improve teacher apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the education commissioner must report to legislative committees on the program's use of funds and potential statutory or regulatory changes to enhance teacher apprenticeship pathways.