August 27, 2026
As North Dakota schools continue to face teacher shortages, Mayville State University is helping meet workforce needs through innovative programs that support paraprofessionals in becoming licensed educators.
Through the state’s Para-to-Teacher Pathway (PTP) initiative and the Registered Apprentice Program for Teachers (RAP-T), Mayville State is creating accessible pathways that allow paraprofessionals to earn teaching credentials while continuing to serve the schools and communities they already call home.
Established by the North Dakota Legislature through funding provided during the 2023-25 biennium, the Para-to-Teacher Pathway provides funding to help paraprofessionals complete teaching degrees and enter the profession. The program proved so successful that it received a second round of funding for the 2025-27 biennium. It is now a permanent line item in the state budget, with $3 million allocated each biennium.
Since Fall 2023, 86 paraprofessionals from across North Dakota have chosen Mayville State University to pursue education degrees through PTP funding. This fall, 52 participants are actively enrolled in coursework leading to teacher licensure. To date, 20 participants have completed their education degrees, and university leaders report that the vast majority move directly into teaching positions, often within the schools where they have already been employed as paraprofessionals.
“The Para-to-Teacher Pathway is creating opportunities for talented individuals who already know the students, the communities, and the realities of today’s classrooms,” said Dr. Kelli Odden, Mayville State Division of Education Dean and Professor of Education. “The paraprofessionals bring valuable experience and a deep commitment to their schools. The program helps them take the next step toward becoming licensed teachers while remaining rooted in their communities.”
The program’s impact is especially significant for rural North Dakota. Participants represent 55 school districts across the state, including 48 rural districts and schools. By helping local residents become licensed teachers, the program creates a sustainable pipeline of educators who are more likely to remain in the communities where they were trained and employed.
Several graduates have elected to continue their professional growth by pursuing graduate studies through Mayville State after completing their bachelor’s degrees, further advancing the state’s educator workforce.
Mayville State’s commitment to strengthening North Dakota’s educator pipeline extends beyond PTP through its participation in the Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers (RAP-T).
Through RAP-T, paraprofessionals gain valuable classroom experience while completing the requirements needed to transition into teaching roles. The program creates a sustainable local pipeline of future educators while helping reduce the financial barriers often associated with earning a teaching degree.
Mayville State received a competitive $400,000 grant to educate and support 20 paraprofessional apprentices. University faculty and staff work closely with school districts across North Dakota, traveling to communities throughout the state to mentor apprentices in the field. Faculty members collaborate with apprentices, cooperating teachers, and school administrators to ensure participants receive the support needed to succeed both academically and professionally.
The RAP-T initiative currently partners with districts including Belcourt, Carrington, Cavalier, Dakota Prairie, Fargo, Fessenden-Bowdon, Grand Forks, Larimore, Lidgerwood, Manvel, Minto, New Rockford-Sheyenne, and Park River.
The program has already produced impressive results. Ten apprentices have completed their degrees and entered the teaching profession, while ten additional apprentices are expected to graduate by Spring 2027. Participants include future educators in high-demand areas, with one apprentice majoring in early childhood education, ten in elementary education, and nine in special education.
Together, the Para-to-Teacher Pathway and RAP-T are helping address one of North Dakota’s most pressing workforce challenges by creating opportunities for individuals who are already making a difference in schools. Student journeys in these innovative programs demonstrate the transformative impact of removing financial barriers and providing flexible educational opportunities for working adults who aspire to teach.
“The programs are about more than earning a degree,” said Odden. “They’re about investing in people who have already demonstrated a passion for helping students learn and succeed. By supporting paraprofessionals on their journey to becoming teachers, we’re strengthening schools, communities, and the future of education in North Dakota.”
As teacher shortages continue to challenge school districts nationwide, Mayville State’s work demonstrates how innovative partnerships, targeted funding, and a commitment to student-centered education can create meaningful solutions while expanding opportunities for future educators across the state.
To learn more about Mayville State University’s opportunities in education, visit www.mayvillestate.edu/teachereducation.
