Dodge City, KS. – Across our state and the nation, schools are facing an unprecedented challenge: a growing shortage of passionate, qualified teachers ready to step into the classroom. Here in Dodge City Public Schools, we aren't just watching the gap widen—we are actively bridging it.

Through our innovative Adult Teacher Apprenticeship program, we are creating direct, meaningful pathways for dedicated adults in our community to step up, earn their credentials, and turn their passion for helping kids into full-fledged teaching careers. These apprentices are living proof that it's never too late to answer the call of education, bringing rich life experience, resilience, and unwavering commitment directly into our schools where they are needed most.

This week marked a monumental step forward in that mission. Along with continuing our vital work with our Adult Teacher Apprentices, we officially introduced our very first cohort of Youth Teacher Apprentices for the 2026-2027 school year! By pairing adult career-changers with aspiring high school educators, we are building a sustainable pipeline designed to secure the future of our classrooms for generations to come.

This vision wouldn't be possible without the incredible leaders paving the way:

• Our Guiding Teachers: Your willingness to mentor, encourage, and share your classroom expertise is the backbone of this initiative. Your patience and leadership leave a lasting mark on these apprentices—and on every student they will touch for years to come.

• Erin Stevens (DCHS Teacher Cadet Pathway Instructor): Thank you for your fierce passion, hard work, and relentless dedication to inspiring and preparing our young educators.

• Maria Kane (DCHS Career Pathways Coordinator): Your leadership in Career & Technical Education creates the very life-changing opportunities that allow our students to discover their passions and thrive.

To our adult and youth apprentices: welcome. By choosing this path in Dodge City, you are stepping up to solve one of the biggest challenges in education today. We are so proud to support you as you learn, grow, and reshape the future of our schools! 

Story credit: Tara Schraeder Photo: Erin Stevens