Delaware Launches Program to Grow Teacher Workforce – Centered on Students, Powered by Educators

Delaware is investing in its future educators through a new pilot program to grow Delaware's teacher workforce from within our schools.
This school year, 10 dedicated educators are serving registered paraprofessional apprentices through the new Paraprofessional Registered Occupation (PRO) program. PRO is designed to keep students at the center by building a strong, diverse teacher workforce who already know and love their communities.
Launched this fall in Appoquinimink and Seaford school districts, with expansion planned statewide next year, the program is funded by the Delaware Department of Labor and supported by the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Technical and Community College and Wilmington University.

A Two-Year "Earn and Learn" Pathway

PRO offers two pathways into teaching:
• Teacher Academy graduates who are eager to stay in classrooms while earning their college credits
• Current paraprofessionals seeking to complete the 60 education credits needed to advance toward certification
Apprentices work full-time supporting students in classrooms while completing Associate's Degree-equivalent coursework in the evenings and asynchronously. Within about two years, they are ready to take the next steps toward becoming licensed classroom teachers.
"We believe in our teachers, both those in classrooms today and those preparing to lead and teach tomorrow," said Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. "PRO strengthens our educator workforce by supporting paraprofessionals who already know our children, families, and schools. This apprenticeship program removes unnecessary barriers, allowing them to keep making a difference while earning the credentials to teach. They're not just earning degrees; they're making an immediate, positive impact for students right now. That's good for students, good for our workforce and good for Delaware."

Changing Lives and Classrooms

For recent Appoquinimink High graduate Kara Jessop, PRO is a dream come true. Jessop is now a paraprofessional working in the LIFE 18-22 year-old-program at her alma mater.

"I always wanted to get the most hands-on experience in college, and I felt this was the best option for me. When looking at colleges, I was looking at programs in education that would get me into the classroom as soon as possible, so when I heard of this program, I felt it was the perfect fit for me," Jessop said. "When discussing this option with my parents, they asked me if I was worried about missing out on the college experience, but in my heart I felt that getting as much work experience while in college would be more beneficial in the long run.

"I struggle to pick just one thing that excites me about this program because everything about it brings me joy," Jessop said. "Anytime that I tell someone about the program I feel my face light up with a smile because I believe this program to be life-changing - not only for the apprentices but the entire future of education."

School Leaders Agree

For Delaware's school districts and charter schools, it's an opportunity to grow their teacher workforce from their own staff.

"Our paraprofessionals already know our students, staff and community so well, and this program lets them keep making an impact in Seaford while advancing their own education and careers," said Nikki Miller, Seaford's Supervisor of Instruction. "It's an investment in people we know are committed to staying with us and growing alongside our district."

A National Model

Delaware's effort is being recognized nationally as an innovative way to address teacher shortages while raising the bar for student learning.
"Delaware is working to break down barriers for those who want to be a teacher," Delaware Department of Labor Secretary LaKresha Moultrie said. "This pilot program proved we can continue to increase our educator pipeline through recruiting, training, and supporting aspiring educators, and I'm excited to see this expand to more school districts in the First State."
Marten is proud that Delaware is a national leader in this work.

"When I was the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, this was the goal - create apprenticeships that would remove barriers to becoming a teacher," Marten said. "Delawar is showing the nation how to do it - with excellence, urgency, and relentless focus on student outcomes. I love seeing how Delaware has taken that vision and is implementing and scaling it."