(1) A teacher apprenticeship model is a teacher preparation program approved by both the Washington state apprenticeship and training council under chapter 49.04 RCW and the Washington professional educator standards board under RCW 28A.410.210. In addition to meeting other requirements, the program must provide the apprentice with 2,000 hours of on-the-job mentored teaching experience under a gradual release method. Up to 540 hours working as a paraeducator may count towards the minimum on-the-job requirement. Any state funds provided for the support of teacher apprenticeships must be used in conformance with RCW 42.17A.550 and 29B.40.250 and be provided solely for the exclusive support and operations of the registered apprenticeship program.

(2) Beginning September 1, 2025, before applying to the Washington state apprenticeship and training council to operate a teacher apprenticeship model, an entity must be approved by the Washington professional educator standards board as a teacher preparation program.

(3) Beginning September 1, 2025, before an entity approved under subsection (1) of this section may add or change a school district, charter school, or state-tribal education compact school partner, the entity must receive approval for the change or addition from the Washington professional educator standards board.