Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the benefits of WP’s Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program?

  • Earn as you learn! You can maintain full-time employment as a paraprofessional in a New Jersey school district while working toward your bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. 

    Receive financial support for housing, transportation, childcare, tutoring, certification costs, and more. 

    Here are some of the non-academic benefits and financial supports you may qualify for as an apprentice (pending approval): 

    • Paraprofessional and Praxis Subject assessments 
    • Language testing (OPI/WPT) 
    • International transcript evaluation 
    • Certification application 
    • Job preparation and placement 
    • Criminal history background check 
    • Tutoring 
    • Mentoring 
    • Case management 
    • Housing/utilities* 
    • Transportation* 
    • Driver’s license* 
    • Childcare* 

    *Approval required to receive these supports. 

  • What is a teacher apprenticeship?

  • A teacher apprentice is a teacher in training, often a paraprofessional looking to advance their education and credentials. Those who meet the criteria outlined below may be eligible to enroll in WP’s Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program to receive financial benefits from the United States/New Jersey Department of Labor.  

  • What are the criteria for becoming a teacher apprentice?

    • Work as a paraprofessional in a New Jersey school or district. 
    • Be enrolled as a full-time student at WP pursuing teacher certification. 

  • Who in my district can participate?

  • An employee who is working or interested in working as an instructional paraprofessional 

  • Is there any financial assistance?

  • WP’s College of Education has been awarded grants whose funds can be used to cover costs associated with the following: 

    • Paraprofessional and Praxis Subject assessments 
    • Language testing (OPI/WPT) 
    • International transcript evaluation 
    • Certification application 
    • Job preparation and placement 
    • Criminal history background check 
    • Tutoring 
    • Mentoring 
    • Case management 
    • Housing/utilities* 
    • Transportation* 
    • Driver’s license* 
    • Childcare* 

    *Approval required to receive these supports. 

  • How long does it take to earn a degree and teacher certification?

  • This depends on many factors: 

    • Previous education 
    • Credits from prior learning 
    • Program of choice 
    • Endorsements added to your education major 

  • What is the FIRST STEP I should take to learn more about and determine eligibility for WP’s Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program?

  • The first step is to email teacherapprentice@wpunj.edu to schedule a 30-minute, virtual, initial intake meeting.