What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Teacher Apprentice position at Liberal USD 480?
Job Title
Youth Teacher Apprentice
Location
Liberal High School (LHS) – Pilot Program
Apprentices will be placed throughout the district with exemplary teachers
Reports To
Mentor Teacher / CTE Pathway Coordinator
Position Overview
Liberal High School is excited to serve as a pilot school for the Youth Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This paid apprenticeship provides high school students with hands-on classroom experience while completing coursework toward their associate’s degree in education. Apprentices will develop skills across multiple levels, progressing in responsibility and pay as competencies are demonstrated. Following graduation, students will continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in education within two years.
Pay Scale
Starting pay: $10.00/hour
- Wage increases based on successful progression through the program.* To be part of the full pre-licensed pay scale soon to be proposed.
- Each level will require and pay students for the following number of hours per year:
- Level 1 - 125-135 Hours ($10/hour)
- Level 2 - 150-160 Hours ($12/Hour)
- Level 3 - 200 - 210 Hours ($14/Hour)
Key Responsibilities
- Assist mentor teachers with classroom instruction, supervision, and student engagement.
- Support lesson preparation, organization of materials, and instructional transitions.
- Observe, reflect, and apply best practices in classroom management and instructional strategies.
- Provide appropriate feedback to students under teacher guidance.
- Develop professional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Maintain a portfolio documenting growth in teaching competencies, including lesson planning, reflection, and evidence of professional development.
- Participate in weekly mentor check-ins, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.
Learning Progression
Apprentices can advance through Levels 1, 2, and 3, each building new teaching competencies aligned to classroom instruction, student support, and professional skills
Training and Mentoring 25 26
Ongoing mentoring and evaluation will support growth in instructional strategies, classroom management, and professional practice.
Qualifications
- Current high school student enrolled at LHS.
- Interest in pursuing a career in education.
- Commitment to completing coursework in alignment with the student's Individual Plan of Study, with the goal of earning credits toward an associate’s degree.
- Strong communication, reliability, and willingness to learn.
Benefits
- Paid, hands-on classroom experience.
- Structured mentoring and support from experienced teachers.
- Opportunities to attend professional development.
- Clear pathway toward an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in education.
Salary : $10 - $14