Newark, MD, August 10, 2026–Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) has officially launched Maryland's first Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)-sponsored Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program, welcoming an inaugural cohort of 15 employees into an innovative "earn while you learn" pathway toward teacher certification.
The groundbreaking initiative represents a major investment in the future of public education by creating a sustainable pipeline of highly qualified teachers from within the Worcester County community. Through a collaborative partnership between WCPS, the Worcester County Teachers Association (WCTA), the Worcester County Educational Support Professionals Association (WCESPA), and Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU), participants will remain employed by WCPS while completing the coursework, clinical experiences, and competency-based training required to earn Maryland teacher certification.
"This Registered Apprenticeship Program is an innovative, common-sense approach to addressing one of education's greatest challenges—developing and retaining outstanding teachers," said Dr. Annette Wallace, Superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools. "Many of our future educators are already serving our students every day as educational assistants and support staff. By investing in them, removing financial barriers, and allowing them to earn while they learn, we are growing our own workforce with individuals who are already committed to our schools, our students, and our community.”
Unlike traditional teacher preparation programs, the Registered Apprenticeship model combines full-time employment with structured classroom experience under the guidance of highly qualified mentor teachers. Apprentices continue serving students while earning college credit, immediately applying instructional theory in authentic classroom settings as they progress toward licensure.
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership that will strengthen Worcester County Public Schools for years to come,” Wallace continued. “We are not waiting for great teachers to come to us—we are intentionally developing them right here in Worcester County."
The program was made possible through the highly competitive Maryland Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education. Worcester County Public Schools was selected following a statewide competitive review process that recognized the district's innovative approach to developing current employees into licensed educators while addressing teacher shortages in high-need certification areas.
"We are honored to partner with Worcester County Public Schools in preparing the next generation of educators through this innovative Registered Apprenticeship program,” said Dr. Lisa Pallett, Associate Dean for the School of Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University. “At Notre Dame of Maryland University, we are committed to educating highly qualified, classroom-ready teachers through rigorous, competency-based preparation that integrates coursework with authentic clinical practice. Together, we are creating a sustainable pathway that expands access to the profession while ensuring Maryland's students are taught by exceptional educators."
"The Worcester County Teachers Association is proud to partner in a program that invests directly in the future of our profession," said Beth Shockley-Lynch, President of the Worcester County Teachers Association. "Great teachers don't simply appear—they are developed through meaningful mentorship, quality preparation, and strong partnerships. This apprenticeship model recognizes the talent that already exists within our schools and provides a clear pathway for dedicated employees to become highly qualified classroom teachers. We are excited to mentor these future educators and help ensure they are well prepared to serve Worcester County students for years to come."
The inaugural cohort includes 15 dedicated WCPS employees representing schools and programs across the county. Notably, 11 of the 15 participants are WCPS graduates, underscoring the district's commitment to cultivating educators who already know the community they will one day serve.
The inaugural Teacher Registered Apprenticeship cohort includes:
Rakiya Morris (Stephen Decatur High School, Class of 2019)
Diane Hurney
Cerbrina Davis (Snow Hill High School, Class of 2006)
Lexani Fletcher (Snow Hill High School, Class of 2021)
Gerell Robinson
Sydney Taylor (Snow Hill High School, Class of 2023)
Erica Ewell (Pocomoke High School, Class of 2001)
Kijhae Bull (Pocomoke High School, Class of 2021)
Heather Ring (Snow Hill High School, Class of 2003)
Stephanie Redden
Shelly Joanna Zubko
Kimberly Wheeler (Stephen Decatur High School, Class of 2008)
Curtasia Schoolfield (Pocomoke High School, Class of 2025)
Persia Moore (Pocomoke High School, Class of 2026)
Jude Al-Hamad (Stephen Decatur High School, Class of 2019)
The inaugural cohort is expected to complete the Registered Apprenticeship over the next three years. By investing in employees who have already demonstrated a commitment to Worcester County's students and schools, WCPS is building a stronger, more sustainable educator workforce—one that will continue to serve future generations of students.