Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program

This website is Audio Eye enabled and is being optimized for accessibility. To open the Audio Eye Toolbar, press "shift + =". Some assistive technologies may require the use of a passthrough function before this keystroke. For more information, activate the button labeled "Explore your accessibility options".

Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program  

• Position Type:
  Opportunities for Current ESP
• Date Posted:
  9/4/2026
• Location:
  
  To Be Assigned
• Closing Date:
  09/15/2026

Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program

WCPS is accepting applications for the  Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) cohort. RTAP is a no-cost pathway that allows current paraprofessionals to earn their Maryland teaching license in Elementary Education, Special Education, or Early Childhood Education while working full-time.

Program Expectations & Commitment

• Must be a current paraprofessional (or ESP staff or substitute employee eligible to apply for and transfer into a paraprofessional role)
• Must be in good standing (no letters of discipline or performance improvement plans within the previous 12 months of employment)
• Must have a satisfactory supervisor evaluation
• Must complete all required coursework toward teacher licensure
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress in an approved educator preparation program
• Must successfully complete required licensure assessments (e.g., Praxis, performance-based assessments)
• Must commit to five years of teaching with WCPS upon program completion

Selection Process

The  cohort for Washington County Public Schools will be restricted to a maximum of 30 participants. To determine the 30 candidates, WCPS will use the following factors:

• Previous collegiate experience (all post-secondary transcripts must be uploaded at the time of application)
• Three professional references, including one from a current administrator/supervisor
• Screening interview with the RTAP Selection Committee
• Related experiences to education or instruction (coaching, community involvement, etc.)

Applicants accepted into RTAP that have no prior collegiate experience or have not completed a college course within the last five years will be required to take a Math and English placement test with Hagerstown Community College (HCC). Program status will be contingent upon the results of the placement tests and subsequent successful completion of required developmental and/or introductory-level courses.

Role Responsibilities as Registered Teacher Apprentice

• Demonstrate competency in instructional delivery, student engagement, and assessment practices
• Provide instructional support to individuals and small groups of students
• Assist with lesson preparation, classroom activities, and student engagement
• Support delivery of whole group instruction and learning activities
• Monitor student progress and support implementation of instructional strategies
• Maintain a structured, positive, and inclusive learning environment
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and professional learning
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, and families
• Maintain documentation related to apprenticeship, coursework, and program requirements
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and ethical conduct

Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental Requirements

• The Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental demands represent the requirements an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Required periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to sufficiently and efficiently move throughout the building and grounds for extended periods.
• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with others, as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, and hear.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to move, raise, lower, and carry objects up to 20 lbs. on an irregular basis.
• Must be able to bend, crouch, stoop, reach, and climb.
• Will be subjected to loud noises, interactions, and traffic flow associated with a highly populated office environment.

Postings current as of 9/10/2026 8:03:47 PM CST.

Note:

Only currently contracted WCPS teachers may apply for internal teaching vacancies. Any applicant who is not a currently contracted teacher with WCPS must apply for teaching positions as an external…