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DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher

Get paid to learn to teach. Earn your teaching license with tuition covered. Build your career at DSST.

Know you want to become a teacher? DSST's STEM Apprentice Teacher Program offers a paid, supported pathway into a long-term teaching career.

Through our one-year residency, you'll work alongside an experienced mentor teacher, learn and grow with a cohort of future educators, and work toward your Colorado teaching license through MSU Denver. You'll gain the hands-on experience, coaching, and confidence to lead your own classroom the following year.

 

Why Become a DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher?

Join over 1,000 educators at a network of 16 public middle and high schools across Denver and Aurora committed to eliminating educational inequity and preparing all students for success in college and the 21st century. 

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EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

Earn a $48,000 salary for the 2027 cohort, plus full employee benefits, while gaining hands-on classroom experience. 
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1:1 MENTORSHIP

Build your teaching skills through hands-on classroom experience, weekly coaching, and feedback from an experienced DSST mentor teacher.
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COHORT MODEL

Through shared coursework, collaboration, and professional learning, you'll build meaningful relationships and grow together throughout your residency year.

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LICENSE AT NO COST

Earn your Colorado teaching license through our partnership with MSU Denver, with tuition and fees covered by DSST (up to $7,336).

Who are our STEM Apprentice Teachers?

Our Apprentice Teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including recent college graduates, career changers, coaches, and community leaders.

While no prior teaching experience is required, we're looking for candidates who have experience working with K–12 students and are confident that teaching is the career they want to pursue. Relevant experience might include tutoring, coaching, mentoring, after-school or summer camp programs, or other work supporting students.

DSST invests in your development through a paid residency, expert mentorship, cohort-based learning, and covered licensure tuition. In return, we're looking for future educators who are excited to grow their careers at DSST and commit to teaching in our schools for at least three years, including the residency year.

Still not sure if teaching is right for you?  DSST offers other opportunities to gain experience working in schools. 

Meet Our Apprentice Teachers

Hear from former Apprentice Teachers who are now leading their own classrooms at DSST!

Ana Whitaker

2024 Middle School Math Apprentice Teacher | Lead Middle School Math Teacher since 2025

I began my journey at DSST as an Apprentice Teacher, where I had the opportunity to learn alongside an incredible mentor who coached, supported, and guided me every step of the way. That experience gave me the confidence, skills, and sense of belonging needed to thrive in the classroom. By the time I became a lead teacher, I felt exceptionally prepared to support students and build meaningful relationships with both staff and families. Today, I am proud to continue serving the DSST community as a 6th Grade Math Teacher, helping students grow as problem-solvers while fostering a classroom culture rooted in kindness, high expectations, and joy in learning.

Eddie Harris

2025 Middle School Science Apprentice Teacher | Lead Middle School Science/ELD Teacher since 2026

I joined the Apprentice Teacher Program because I wanted a supported path into teaching, where I could learn and grow instead of being thrown into the deep end. The program was exactly what I was looking for, and I was lucky to have two mentors who helped shape my experience and supported my growth as an educator. Through their guidance and hands-on experience teaching science, I learned to make lessons accessible with visuals, language supports, and opportunities for students to share their thinking. I also learned how to help students become more confident and independent learners. I continue to use these skills in my ELD/Science role.

Savianna Gonzales-Wagner

2025 High School Biology/Chemistry Apprentice Teacher | Lead High School Chemistry Teacher since 2026

The Apprentice Teacher (AT) program allowed me to build on the teaching/tutoring experience I had in a truly guided approach. I felt very supported when I was trying new actions and built my confidence in being an effective teacher day by day. I was able to learn so much from my mentor and got really effective feedback that helped me set and reach my goals. By the end of my AT year, I felt confident in my abilities and knew that DSST was the right choice for me.

FAQs

What does a typical week look like?

  • 4 days per week, ATs are in their mentor teacher’s classroom, observing exemplary teaching, working with students, and getting hands-on practice with instruction
  • ATs receive weekly coaching & feedback from their mentor teachers
  • 1 day per week, all DSST ATs meet at MSU Denver to engage in licensure coursework, with a professor focused solely on the AT cohort
  • ATs receive monthly observations & coaching from their MSU professor

What content areas do you offer?

  • Middle School Mathematics
  • Middle School Science
  • Middle School STEM Lab
  • High School Mathematics
  • High School Science, including biology, chemistry, & physics
  • High School STEM Electives, including engineering & computer science

Where will I teach?

DSST Public Schools operates 16 middle and high schools across the Denver & Aurora metropolitan areas. Each year, 5-6 schools are selected as residency placement sites for the AT program. You will be able to indicate geographic preferences on your application.

As part of the final interview process, you'll meet with your potential mentor teacher and School Director to learn more about the school, ask questions, and explore whether the placement is a strong fit.

What is the program commitment?

The program includes a one-year, full-time residency (July–June), followed by a two-year teaching commitment at DSST (three years total).

Participants who leave DSST before completing their three-year commitment are required to repay the MSU Denver tuition and fees covered by DSST, up to $7,336, in accordance with their program agreement.

Can I work another job while participating?

The Apprentice Teacher Program is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week commitment that includes classroom teaching, coaching, and licensure coursework. Due to the demands of the program, we strongly discourage participants from taking on additional work commitments during their residency year.

What is the application & hiring timeline?

Applications are accepted through the DSST careers website. We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply early.

  • November 1st: Application for 2027 Cohort opens
  • December-February: Initial screening interviews with program manager
  • February-April: Final on-campus interviews with mentors and school directors
  • March-April: STEM Apprentice Teacher Program offer letters sent
  • April-June: Apply to MSU Denver’s licensure coursework & CDE interim license
  • July: MSU Denver Coursework & DSST AT Programming begin!