CA AB694

Commission on Teacher Credentialing must submit Teacher Residency Grant Program standards for approval as a registered apprenticeship program through the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and United States Department of Labor.

Local educational agencies with commission-approved teacher residency programs, or those partnering with institutions of higher education, may submit programs for approval as registered apprenticeship programs.

Approved teacher residency apprenticeship programs must work with accredited teacher preparation programs to develop preparation and mentoring for apprentices in designated shortage fields including special education, bilingual education, STEM, and early childhood education.

Apprentices must receive instruction in content areas, curriculum development, learning and child development, classroom management, culturally responsive practices, and professional responsibilities, plus mentoring and induction support following credential completion.

These provisions expire and are repealed on January 1, 2029.