Teacher Apprenticeship Associate Degree Program

If you’ve always dreamed of leading your own classroom but weren’t sure how to start, the Teacher Apprenticeship Degree (TAD) program helps you earn your associate degree while you work — tuition-free. It’s the perfect first step on your educational journey to becoming a teacher.

Program Overview

The Teacher Apprenticeship Degree (TAD) Program at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) offers paraprofessionals working in neighboring school districts the opportunity to earn their Associate Degree in Elementary Education. TAD strengthens both your theoretical knowledge and hands-on classroom experience, helping you grow as an education professional and advance in your career. Completing the program can increase your earning potential and allows you to transfer many of your credits toward a bachelor’s degree—bringing you one step closer to becoming a licensed teacher. We understand that returning to school can feel like a big step, but we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Why Choose the TAD Program?

• You’ll receive a tuition-free education through MassEducate and MassReconnect*
• Courses are designed for working professionals with flexible hybrid options.
• You’ll gain hands-on classroom experience and mentoring while earning your degree.
• Support is built in — from academic advising to on-the-job coaching.

Program Highlights

• Flexible & Convenient - Courses designed with the schedule of paraprofessionals in mind. This encompasses hybrid and online classes that are offered outside of the paraprofessionals workday.
• Learn & Earn - TAD students continue to work while gaining invaluable experience in the classroom, on-the-job training, and mentoring and development opportunities.
• Train for your next step - Prepare yourself for career opportunities you’ll be ready to thrive in, or further education with transferrable coursework.

Outcomes

• Wage increase at district employer (please see your school districts salary grade for more information)
• The opportunity to transfer your credits to a four-year institution to obtain your bachelor’s degree

Important Dates

• Application Period: Open Now - apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
• Priority Deadline: July 1, 2026

For School districts and employers

Partnering with Bunker Hill Community College through the TAD program helps districts build a sustainable teacher pipeline, improve retention, and invest in the professional growth of their staff — all at little to no cost.\

Benefits at a Glance

• Build a qualified teacher pipeline from within your district
• Retain talented paraprofessionals by offering a career pathway
• Strengthen community ties through workforce development
• Improve morale and reduce hiring costs

Steps to Partnership

• Connect with BHCC’s Apprenticeship Team to explore your district’s needs.
• Identify paraprofessionals interested in earning their degree.
• Customize a program model that fits your staffing and schedule. Apprentices will take their practicum course during their second year.
• Launch and support your apprentices!

*The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned certain degrees to attend any of the state’s 15 community colleges, including BHCC, for free. No tuition. No fees. And both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.

*Students must be Massachusetts residents and submit a FAFSA application. MassEducate and MassReconnect are last dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.