GARTAP Apprentice

GaRTAP Teacher Apprentice

REPORTS TO

Principal/Designee and appropriate District Administrator

WORK CALENDAR

As assigned based on the employee's position and GaRTAP program requirements

FLSA STATUS

As applicable to assigned position

POSITION PURPOSE

The GaRTAP Teacher Apprentice is an employee of the Lee County School System who has been selected to participate in the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (GaRTAP) while completing an approved pathway toward teacher certification.

The Teacher Apprentice works under the supervision and guidance of certified educators and school administrators while completing the academic, clinical, and on-the-job training requirements associated with the apprenticeship program. The position is designed to provide structured, job-embedded preparation for individuals pursuing certification and future employment as a certified teacher.

Participation in GaRTAP does not guarantee completion of certification requirements, continued employment, or placement in a certified teaching position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Teacher Apprentice shall:

• Perform the duties and responsibilities associated with the employee's assigned school-based position.
• Work under the direction and supervision of the principal, supervising teacher, mentor teacher, and/or other designated personnel.
• Assist with instruction, student support, classroom management, supervision, and other educational responsibilities appropriate to the employee's assignment and level of preparation.
• Participate in progressively responsible instructional experiences as permitted by the employee's certification status, preparation program, and GaRTAP requirements.
• Observe effective instructional practices and apply feedback provided by supervising and mentor teachers.
• Participate in planning, instructional preparation, assessment, intervention, and other professional activities as appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of apprenticeship hours, competencies, clinical experiences, coursework, and other GaRTAP requirements.
• Maintain satisfactory progress in an approved educator preparation program and complete required coursework, assessments, clinical experiences, and certification requirements.
• Attend required GaRTAP meetings, orientations, professional learning, mentoring sessions, and other program activities.
• Communicate regularly with the assigned mentor, school administration, district GaRTAP contact, and educator preparation program.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, employees, and school system information in accordance with federal and state law and Board policy.
• Follow the Georgia Professional Standards Commission Code of Ethics for Educators and all Lee County School System policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Demonstrate professional conduct, dependability, appropriate attendance, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Complete all required employment, background check, training, and certification-related requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal, supervisor, or Superintendent/designee.

APPRENTICESHIP EXPECTATIONS

Participation in GaRTAP requires the employee to maintain satisfactory standing with the Lee County School System, GaRTAP, and the applicable educator preparation program.

The Teacher Apprentice is expected to:

• Remain actively enrolled and in good standing in the applicable GaPSC-approved educator preparation program.
• Make satisfactory progress toward completion of degree and/or certification requirements.
• Complete required related technical instruction, coursework, and on-the-job learning.
• Maintain required documentation and submit program information by established deadlines.
• Participate in required mentoring and coaching.
• Successfully complete required assessments and certification milestones.
• Immediately notify the district GaRTAP contact of any change in enrollment, program status, certification status, or eligibility that may affect participation in the apprenticeship program.
• Fulfill any service commitments or other requirements established through applicable GaRTAP agreements.

Failure to maintain program eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, employment expectations, or other apprenticeship requirements may result in removal from GaRTAP.

SUPERVISION AND MENTORING

The Teacher Apprentice will receive job-embedded support from an assigned mentor teacher and/or other designated personnel. Mentoring may include classroom observations, instructional coaching, collaborative planning, feedback, modeling of effective instructional practices, and assistance in demonstrating required professional competencies.

The Teacher Apprentice remains subject to the supervisory authority of the building principal and other appropriate Lee County School System administrators.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The applicant must:

• Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Meet all employment requirements established by the Lee County School System.
• Meet applicable GaRTAP eligibility requirements.
• Be enrolled in, accepted into, or eligible to enter an appropriate GaPSC-approved educator preparation pathway, as required by the apprenticeship program.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete college-level coursework and educator preparation requirements.
• Meet applicable background check and employment eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to becoming a certified educator and successfully completing the apprenticeship program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience working with children or adolescents in an educational setting.
• Current employment with the Lee County School System in a paraprofessional or other qualifying position.
• College coursework applicable toward completion of an educator preparation program.
• Demonstrated record of satisfactory job performance, attendance, and professionalism.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Teacher Apprentice should demonstrate the ability to:

• Establish positive and professional relationships with students and staff.
• Follow instructional and supervisory directions.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues, mentors, and administrators.
• Maintain student confidentiality.
• Manage multiple responsibilities associated with employment, coursework, and apprenticeship requirements.
• Accept and apply constructive feedback.
• Demonstrate initiative and professional growth.
• Use instructional technology and other school-based technology appropriately.
• Work collaboratively as a member of a professional learning community.
• Demonstrate increasing knowledge and application of effective instructional practices as the apprenticeship progresses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. The employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, lift instructional materials, supervise students, and perform other physical activities normally associated with a school-based educational position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment terms, work calendar, salary, benefits, and other conditions of employment will be established according to the employee's assigned position, Lee County School System salary schedules, Board policy, and applicable GaRTAP requirements.

Selection for or participation in GaRTAP does not constitute a guarantee of continued employment, successful certification, completion of the apprenticeship, or appointment to a certified teaching position. Future employment decisions remain subject to available vacancies, certification requirements, satisfactory performance, and the Lee County School System's normal hiring and approval processes.

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation procedures applicable to the employee's assigned position and may also include documentation of progress toward GaRTAP apprenticeship competencies and program requirements.