ORLANDO, Fla. — On Thursday, officials at Valencia College announced they’re working with Orange and Osceola County school districts to work on addressing the state's ongoing teacher shortage. 

They’re doing so with something called Elementary Education Apprenticeships, which give college students the opportunity to work in the classroom while also working toward that degree.

What You Need To Know

  • Valencia College officials announced they are working with Orange and Osceola school districts to address the state's teacher shortage

  • Elementary Education Apprenticeships will give college students the opportunity to work in the classroom while also working toward that degree

  • Education leaders say the new program could produce 180 new teachers by 2028 

  • Valencia College: Elementary Education Apprenticeship

This comes at a time when officials from both school districts say they will need about 500 new elementary school teachers each year. 

Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske said the combination of students studying for their teaching degrees while gaining classroom experience is invaluable.

“In this model, students can go immediately to work at a school that’s near their home and earn college credit while they’re working in the field under the guidance of a teacher mentor,” Plinske said.   

Valencia College students like Ruby Berthole say they’re looking forward to participating in the program.

“There’s always that stress in the back of your mind, like, how am I going to use my time in the right way?" she said. "But getting to do that and also have a working job, it helps with the finances and the experience."

According to the Florida Education Association, there are currently more than 7,500 openings for teachers and educational support staff, which could potentially leave thousands of students without a full-time teacher. 

Plinske said that students who participate in the program will also be able to complete their bachelor’s degree for less than $10,000.