Bluefield State University receives grant funding to develop online teacher apprentice program

Bluefield State University has received funding through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Infrastructure Development (SAEF 2) Grant that will allow it to develop a fully online education degree with embedded teacher apprenticeship program. Students who take part in the degree program will have the opportunity to earn wages working as a teacher while also completing their degree.

According to an article on Bluefield State University’s website, Dr. Terene Stiltner, who is a Professor of Special Education and the Director of Teacher Education at Bluefield State University, was quoted as saying of the new program, “This Grant enables us to reimagine teacher preparation through a ‘learn while you earn’ model. Our fully online Bachelor of Science program will allow apprentice teachers to immediately apply what they’re learning in their own classrooms, creating a powerful feedback loop between theory and practice. This job-embedded approach not only makes teaching more accessible as a career path but produces educators who are exceptionally well-prepared for classroom realities.”

With the funding from the SAEF 2 grant, Bluefield State University will be implementing a Bachelor of Science in Education program that aligns with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) registered Teacher Apprentice Program. The university will also implement support systems for students participating in the program which will include virtual mentoring, and will create specialized pathways toward high-need areas. Additionally, the university will establish partnerships with school districts around the state to ensure there are classroom placements for students who will be able to work in their own classrooms while still earning their degree. The university will also strive to create articulation agreements with community colleges and technical schools to bring more students into the bachelor degree program.

Dr. Darrin Martin, the President of Bluefield State University, said, “This grant represents a transformative opportunity for Bluefield State University to address critical teacher shortages while providing accessible pathways into the teaching profession. By enabling apprentices to work in classrooms while completing their degrees, we’re creating sustainable solutions to educational workforce challenges.”

He went on to add, “The alignment between BSU’s new program and the West Virginia Department of Education’s registered Teacher Apprentice Program represents exactly the kind of innovation needed to address our state’s education workforce challenges. This collaborative approach creates multiple entry points to the teaching profession while maintaining rigorous standards.”

The grant funding and the initiative to get more educators into classrooms around the state will benefit the local workforce and community and will benefit K-12 students who will be learning from qualified teachers who are passionate about their work.

Edward Toman, who serves as the Superintendent of Mercer County Schools, said of the collaboration, “This initiative addresses a critical need in West Virginia by expanding access to high-quality teacher preparation while strengthening our local schools. By allowing aspiring educators to gain hands-on experience in classrooms while completing their degrees, this program ensures that West Virginia students benefit from well-prepared, committed teachers who understand the unique needs of our communities.”

For more information about Bluefield State University, visit the school’s website.