Ohio’s Principal Apprenticeship draft proposal

11/5/2024

Seeking feedback for proposal submission to the legislature

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is seeking feedback on the proposed framework for an Ohio Principal Apprenticeship until Dec. 6. The draft proposal and survey are available on the Ohio Principal Apprenticeship webpage. 

In his 2024 State of the State address, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine directed the Department to create a principal apprenticeship program that would provide aspiring principals with hands-on, in-school training that will better prepare them for the challenges of the job. School principals are critical influencers of student success and school culture. Because of the influence that school principals have on schools, such as establishing positive school culture, impacting student learning, and promoting staff retention, the preparation of school principals is critically important.

The proposed apprenticeship model is structured to take place over a two-year period and includes a combination of traditional graduate coursework and a full-year apprenticeship. During the apprenticeship, aspiring principals will spend one year in a school administrative role under the guidance of an experienced and successful school principal. Entrance into the apprenticeship program will include a competitive application process.

Survey results will be available on the Department’s website after the survey closes. Per Senate Bill 168, the Department will recommend a proposed framework to the Ohio General Assembly in February.

Contact schooladmin@education.ohio.gov for support or questions.