Responding to the need to produce more teachers in underserved areas in Kansas, Wichita State University (WSU) is working with school districts across Kansas to deliver the Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), an innovative program to prepare paraeducators for licensure as Early Childhood Unified/Elementary Education teachers.

Characterized by an inverted approach to curriculum and strong emphasis on field experiences, this approach implements a two-phase model beginning with an emphasis on professional studies and finishing with general education requirements. The TAP uses an “inverted curriculum” that will initially emphasize professional courses in order to heighten classroom skills and instructional success for paraeducators. Coursework builds incrementally on foundational knowledge gained each semester of the TAP program with a focus on co-teaching models of classroom instruction, principles of effective pedagogy, classroom management and school law—all designed to complement their experience in the classroom and prepare them for success as the teacher of record. 

Coursework is delivered via a blended approach with face-to-face instruction occurring one to two times per month through Zoom, videoconferencing technology. Ongoing instruction is delivered online through Blackboard with candidates completing courses every eight weeks. Using a residency model, after candidates demonstrate effective teaching skills, they will be eligible to be hired as a teacher of record with a Limited TAP license as they complete remaining requirements for the bachelor’s degree and recommendation for an initial teaching license. A comprehensive support system throughout the program includes a trained mentor for each candidate.