This session will spotlight Kansas’s pilot Youth Teacher Apprenticeship Program, implemented during the 2025–26 school year by Topeka Public Schools, Spring Hill Public Schools, and Liberal Public Schools. Designed as a “grow your own” strategy, the program blends paid, work-based learning within the teacher/training CTE pathway with intentional access to dual college credit, creating an early and sustainable pipeline for students interested in becoming educators.
Moderated by Joel Gillaspie of the Kansas State Department of Education, who oversees the program statewide, this panel discussion will feature district leaders Laura Nichols (Topeka), Leah Good (Spring Hill), and Tasha Ebeling (Liberal). Each panelist will share their district’s unique approach to designing and implementing the pilot, including partnerships, scheduling, student supports, and lessons learned during the first year of operation.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how districts of varying sizes and contexts are leveraging youth apprenticeships to strengthen educator pipelines, support student career exploration, and align CTE, higher education, and workforce goals in meaningful ways.
