Growing Our Own: Teacher Apprenticeship Program in Candler County
The Candler County School District is proud to partner with Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Department of Labor, and the Georgia Department of Education to participate in the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (GaRTAP).
GaRTAP is a state-funded initiative designed to address teacher shortages across Georgia, especially in underserved communities. The program provides a “learn while you earn” pathway, allowing aspiring educators to complete required coursework and hands-on classroom experience while earning a paycheck.
This school year, 7 Georgia Southern University students and 3 East Georgia State College students are serving as Teacher Assistants at Metter Elementary School while participating in GaRTAP. Each student works part- or full-time while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and teacher certification. In addition to tuition assistance and a monthly paycheck, participants are paired with a dedicated teacher mentor who provides ongoing guidance and support.
“This program is a win-win,” said Assistant Superintendent, Dr. CaDeisha Cooper. “Our students benefit from the on-the-job training and mentoring that these paraprofessionals are receiving, and the GaRTAP participants gain valuable, real-world experience as they prepare to become certified teachers. We are fortunate to provide this opportunity for aspiring educators.”
By investing in programs like GaRTAP, the Candler County School District is helping to build a stronger teacher pipeline and ensure high-quality education for all students.
“We hope these Teacher Assistants will complete their education, earn their T-4 certification, and pass the GACE exam—ultimately choosing to remain in the Candler County School District as teachers," says Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Jordan. "Their success will benefit not only our students, but also our parents, schools, and the entire community."
“A key priority of our strategic plan is recruiting and retaining highly effective, intrinsically motivated, and passionate teachers and staff, says Superintendent Dr. Bubba Longgrear. “We are confident that the GaRTAP program will play a vital role in helping us continue to achieve this goal.”
If you may be interested in learning more about the GaRTAP, please reach out to Dr. CaDeisha Cooper at ccooper@metter.org.
Pictured top row left to right: Cheslee Monroe, Iyana Deloach, Agatha Grimes,
Lizbeth Solis-Pantoja, Jessica Williams
Bottom row left to right: Anna Carter,
Narcisa Aguilar, Ava Anderson, Zoey Sikes, Kelly White