Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant - Teacher Apprenticeship Program

Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant - Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP)

Geographic Scope: Volusia, Flagler, and Brevard counties, Florida

Focus Areas: Teacher education and workforce development; "Grow Your Own Teacher" apprenticeship model

Program Overview:
A $5 million statewide grant funding a Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program designed to open the teaching profession to school district employees who are involved in the field but might not otherwise pursue credentialing. The program allows select school district employees to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree while continuing in their full-time positions with their school district, receiving full pay.

Degree Options:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Code: 6221)
• Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education (Code: 6222)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Current full-time employee of a participating school district in Volusia, Flagler, or Brevard counties
• Approval from school district Human Resources
• Conferred Associate of Arts degree from an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Grade of "C" or better in prerequisite classes: EDF1005, EEX2010, and MAE2801
• Proof of passing Subject Area Exam (SAE) OR 2 of the 4 subtests of the General Knowledge Test (GKT)

Program Structure:

• Hybrid approach combining fully online courses with in-person shadowing
• Students train alongside mentor teachers while maintaining full-time employment
• Completion leads to Florida professional teaching certificate upon passing Florida Teacher Certification Exams
• 5-semester curriculum for both degree tracks

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Obtain District Approval: Contact Human Resources for your school district for approval to participate in TAP/GYO program
2. Apply to Daytona State College: Complete the online application and enter:
   • Major code (6221 for Elementary Education or 6222 for Exceptional Student Education)
   • Desired start term
3. Send Transcripts: Request all official transcripts be sent to the Daytona State College Admissions department
4. Send Test Scores: Send copies of all FTCE scores to B.Simpkins@DaytonaState.edu
5. Contact School of Education: Email Camille.Wasick@DaytonaState.edu to ensure enrollment in correct courses
6. Apply for Financial Aid:
   • Complete FAFSA application at Federal Student Aid website
   • Contact the Financial Aid Office at DSC for more information
7. Apply for DSC Foundation Scholarships: After completing FAFSA, visit DSC Foundation Scholarship portal and apply for 2025-2026 Foundation Scholarship
8. Apply for Florida Fund for Minority Teacher Scholarship (if applicable):
   • Review qualifications at FFMT.org
   • Apply directly on FFMT website
   • Notify Ana Blaine at Ana.Blaine@DaytonaState.edu

Note: Application fee is waived for approved TAP students but not for GYO students. Contact School of Education office for fee waiver instructions.