STEM Apprentice Teacher (2027-2028 School Year)

DSST Public Schools•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher Program is a full-time, 11-month teaching residency running July 2027 through June 2028. It is an earn-while-you-learn pathway for aspiring teachers to gain classroom experience and professional development under the guidance of a DSST Mentor Teacher while completing Metro State University of Denver’s one-year alternative licensure program. DSST covers program tuition and fees in exchange for a three-year teaching commitment. Apprentices are hired for middle- or high-school Math, Science, or STEM elective classrooms at multiple campus locations and receive a $48,000 salary plus benefits. A relocation stipend is available to candidates moving from 75 miles or more from Denver, and additional pay may be available through substitute teaching. For four days each week, apprentices work in their mentor teacher’s classroom, observing instruction, working with students, practicing teaching, and receiving weekly coaching and feedback. One day each week is dedicated to licensure coursework at MSU Denver, with monthly observations and coaching from a program professor. Responsibilities gradually expand during the year: apprentices progress from observing and supporting a mentor teacher to managing more planning, assessment, data analysis, and behavior-management duties. The goal is for apprentices to be ready to lead their own classroom the following school year. Additional duties may include student recruitment, a small advisory group, and after-school tutoring. The program begins with MSU Denver orientation in mid- to late July, followed by an in-person New Staff Institute at the end of July 2027. Applicants must be able to commit to the full program. After the first year, apprentices will have their teaching license and may apply for a Lead Teaching Role at DSST. The role is an in-person, exempt, benefits-eligible, fixed-term position.

Requirements

Have completed a bachelor’s degree in any major before the start date.
Have a passion for Math, Science, or another STEM-related subject.
Believe that all students can succeed in high school, reach ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives.
Desire to grow personally and professionally as an anti-racist educator.
Demonstrate self-awareness, regular reflection, and a desire to continuously improve.
Enroll in and complete MSU Denver’s one-year alternative licensure program.
Commit to education as a career and plan to remain employed with DSST for at least three years.
Have a plan and ability to demonstrate knowledge of Secondary Math or Science content by August 1, 2028.
Commit to the entire 11-month program, July 2027 through June 2028.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth ages 11–18.
Proven commitment to and experience serving students of color, students with disabilities, and/or multilingual students.

Responsibilities

Shadow an assigned Mentor Teacher.
Observe teachers across DSST.
Practice teaching real classes and work with students.
Receive and apply direct feedback from a Mentor Teacher.
Participate in school- and network-provided professional development.
Attend MSU Denver alternative licensure classes and obtain a teaching license.
Gradually take on classroom leadership responsibilities, including long- and short-term planning, assessment creation, data analysis, and behavior management.
Take on additional duties as assigned, potentially including student recruitment, running a small advisory group, or after-school tutoring.

Benefits

$48,000 salary plus benefits.
DSST covers tuition and fees for the alternative licensure program in exchange for a three-year teaching commitment.
Relocation stipend for candidates joining from 75 miles or more from Denver.
Potential additional pay through substitute teaching.
Comprehensive health coverage.
Fertility and adoption support.
Educator-focused mental-health care and access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative.
Six weeks of paid parental leave.
11+ weeks off each year.
Local and employee discounts, including Safeway grocery discounts.
Weekly one-on-one coaching, data-driven feedback, and career pathways.
Recognition awards and milestone celebrations.