An April 21 signing ceremony saw 14 Richmond Community Schools staff members become the first cohort of a new apprenticeship program between RCS and IU East. The event was held in Whitewater Hall.
The Registered Apprenticeship K-12 Teacher Program provides a pathway for paraprofessionals, substitutes and teaching assistants to earn a bachelor’s degree in education while working as school employees. Participants are also eligible for assistance with tuition, textbooks, travel and child care costs.
RCS Superintendent Curtis Wright was in attendance and sees the program as a natural fit for the district’s budding talent.
“Our paraprofessionals and support staff are the backbone for our schools — they know our students and are deeply invested in our children’s futures,” said Wright.
Established in 2021 under the U.S. Department of Labor, IU East received its federal designation in August 2024. On program launch, each participant will be paired with a mentor that provides academic and professional support.
IU East Chancellor Dennis Rome highlighted the program’s community-centered approach.
“This partnership with Richmond Community Schools is exactly what higher education should look like — responsive, accessible and rooted in the needs of the region,” said Rome. He sees this creating a strong pipeline of Wayne County educators for years to come.
For more information, contact Bridget Hazelbaker at 765-973-3329.
A version of this article appeared in the May 6 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.