Math Apprentice Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)

Thank you for your interest in joining the 2026 cohort of the DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher Program.

The DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher (AT) Program is a year-long paid teaching residency designed for aspiring educators who want to learn to teach through practice coaching and gradual responsibility. Apprentice Teachers work full time in DSST classrooms while completing a state-approved teacher licensure program allowing you to earn while you learn and prepare to lead your own classroom the following year.

As part of this role DSST seeks to fully fund the cost of licensure coursework during the residency year and provides a full-time salary benefits and coaching. In exchange for this investment Apprentice Teachers commit to teaching full time at DSST for at least two additional school years following the residency year if hired into a Lead Teacher role.

Please review this position description carefully before applying. By completing this application you will be placed into our talent pool for the 2026 cohort. If you have questions or require a different timeline please contact .

Position: STEM Apprentice Teacher (Fixed-term 11-month residency: July 2026June 2027)

Grade Levels: Middle or High School placements

Status: Full-time benefits-eligible exempt in-person position (Denver CO)
Location: Interviews will be aligned to school openings location preferences and content interests shared in your application

Salary:

• $48 000 during the Apprentice Teacher (residency) year

• $60000-$82000 if hired into a Lead Teacher role in year two

• Relocation stipend available for anyone joining us from 75 miles outside the Denver area

Start Date:

• Licensure program summer coursework begins July 20th

• DSST new staff training begins July 23rd 2026

• View the current School Year Calendar here.

ABOUT THE APPRENTICE TEACHER ROLE

The DSST Apprentice Teacher Program is a structured teaching residency not a traditional teaching role.

Apprentice Teachers are not teachers of record. During the first part of the year Apprentice Teachers primarily observe support and co-teach alongside their Mentor Teacher. Through a structured gradual release model Apprentice Teachers take on increasing responsibility for lesson planning instruction assessment and classroom management over time with the goal of being ready to lead their own classroom the following school year.

Your primary responsibility is to learn practice and reflect with the support of a DSST Mentor Teacher and a network of educators committed to your development.

This role is:

• A full-time in-person learning-focused teaching residency

• A pathway to becoming a licensed DSST Lead Teacher

• Designed for individuals who are confident they want to pursue teaching as a long-term career

• An opportunity to build skills through practice coaching and gradual responsibility

This role is not:

• A traditional teacher-of-record position

• A try-it-out role for deciding whether you enjoy teaching
  (If you are interested in exploring teaching or working with students in other ways DSST offers additional pathways that may be a better fit!)

Core learning experiences include:

Apprentice Teachers engage in a range of structured learning opportunities including:

• Shadowing and co-teaching with an assigned Mentor Teacher

• Observing a variety of DSST classrooms and teaching styles

• Practicing teaching in real classrooms with coaching and feedback

• Participating in school- and network-wide professional development

• Engaging in a state-approved teacher licensure program

• Supporting additional school needs as appropriate and aligned to learning and development goals

Apprentice Teachers receive regular feedback and are evaluated based on growth professionalism instructional practice and readiness to step into a Lead Teacher role.

SAMPLE APPRENTICE TEACHER SCHEDULE

This example illustrates how observation practice and feedback are intentionally built into the Apprentice Teacher experience. Schedules vary by campus mentor teacher and content area.

Placement: 7th Grade Science (Mid-September)

• 8:20-8:50: Co-lead homeroom (advisory of 15 students)

• 8:53-10:05: Meet with mentor to review lessons & prep materials

• 10:08-11:20: Observe mentor teaching 7th Grade Science

• 11:20-11:50: Lunch duty (cafeteria supervision)

• 11:53-1:05: Observe mentor and another science classroom

• 1:09-2:21: Lunch and observation debrief with mentor

• 2:24-3:36: Teach first 15 minutes of 7th Grade Science class then observe mentor for remainder of period

• 3:36-4:00: Students dismissed; organize classwork that was turned in & make copies for tomorrow

LICENSURE & DSSTs INVESTMENT IN YOU

Apprentice Teachers participate in a state-approved teacher licensure program aligned to DSSTs instructional model. Licensure partners may vary by cohort.

DSST fully funds the cost of licensure coursework during the residency year allowing candidates to earn their teaching license without taking on tuition debt.

In exchange for this investment Apprentice Teachers commit to teaching at DSST for two additional school years following the residency year provided they are offered and accept a Lead Teacher position. This mutual commitment allows DSST to invest deeply in your development while ensuring continuity and stability for our students and school communities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A completed Bachelors Degree (any major) prior to start date

• Passion for Math Science or other STEM-related subjects

• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals and lead exemplary lives demonstrated through actions reflection or prior experience

• Desire to grow professionally as an anti-racist educator

• Self-awareness reflective practice and a commitment to continuous improvement

• Ability to commit fully to an in-person full-time residency and licensure program

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with students (any setting) ages 11-18

• Experience working with students of color students with disabilities multilanguage learners or first generation college-bound students

Application Deadline

This is an evergreen position meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7500 students 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered human-focused and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us more brilliance more courage more possibility to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 202425 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95% of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people

Why Work at DSST

At DSST our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow belong and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support educator-focused mental-health care and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching data-driven feedback and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards milestone celebrations and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative Wellness Wednesdays comprehensive health coverage and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11 weeks off each year relocation support for out of state applicants and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Equity and Inclusion

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not exclude participation in deny benefits to or discriminate on the basis of race color religion National origin sex (including pregnancy and related conditions sexual orientation or gender identity) Age (40 and older) Disability Genetic information (including employer requests for or purchase use or disclosure of genetic tests genetic services or family medical history) retaliation for filing a charge reasonably opposing discrimination or participating in a discrimination lawsuit investigation or proceeding in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is active and may require standing walking bending kneeling stooping and crouching throughout the day. The employee must lift and/or move items up to 30 pounds. The employee must have sufficient hand arm and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.