Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) School of Education (SOE), in partnership with Imagine Schools, is set to launch a state-approved Teacher Apprenticeship Program this fall. The first of its kind in Southwest Florida, the program offers a new, affordable pathway for individuals to enter the teaching profession.
The program is part of a larger statewide investment to strengthen Florida’s teacher pipeline. In 2024, the Florida Department of Education announced over $5 million in grant funding to support the creation of teacher apprenticeship programs across Florida. FSW’s SOE was one of eight institutions awarded funding and received $500,000 to start the program.
“FSW was selected for the Teacher Apprenticeship Grant because of our proven commitment to innovative, high-quality educator preparation,” said Dr. April Fleming, dean of the SOE at FSW. “This program expands access to the teaching profession by eliminating financial and systemic barriers—ultimately cultivating a strong, homegrown pipeline of well-prepared teachers who are equipped to serve and uplift the communities of Southwest Florida.”
The program will begin this August at Imagine School at North Port, with three apprentices officially set to start.
“I’m most looking forward to watching our apprentices grow into confident, compassionate educators who make a real difference in the lives of their students,” said Mary Robertson, Teacher Apprenticeship Program Coordinator. “My hope is that they leave this program not only with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to succeed in the classroom, but also with a strong sense of purpose and the belief that they belong in this profession.”
The two-year program offers local paraprofessionals an opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from FSW while gaining hands-on classroom experience. Apprentices will work alongside experienced mentor teachers while completing fully online coursework, earning their degree at no cost.
“I’m excited because, with most things, you learn best through hands-on experience — being in the classroom and dealing with real situations, instead of sitting inside four walls just reading books and doing coursework,” said apprentice Sarah Kugel. “I think that it’s just a great opportunity to truly understand what really goes on in the classroom.”
The Teacher Apprenticeship Program reflects a growing statewide effort to address teacher shortages and build a strong pipeline of qualified educators right here in Southwest Florida.
To apply for the program or to learn more, contact associate dean Anne Angstrom at anne.angstrom@fsw.edu.
