TRAC Teacher Apprenticeship Program signing day event

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City School District marked a major milestone in addressing Utah’s teacher shortage on Wednesday, May 6, as Utah First Lady Abby Cox joined district leaders, higher‑education partners, students and families to celebrate the inaugural cohort of the TRAC Teacher Apprenticeship Program. TRAC, which stands for Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection, provides students with hands-on real-world experience in their fields of interest.The event took place in the Salt Lake City School District Board Room, where 10 high school juniors officially signed on as Utah’s first paid teacher‑apprentices. Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Grant and representatives from Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah highlighted the significance of the program, which creates a direct, five‑year pathway from high school to a bachelor’s degree and K–12 teacher licensure. Students will split their time between college coursework and hands‑on classroom experience as paid, part‑time district employees.First Lady Abby Cox praised the collaboration, noting the statewide potential. “I am so proud of the Salt Lake City School District and SLCC and the University of Utah for this collaboration," she said. "I know this is just the start, and it’s going to continue to be a ripple effect as we go throughout the state.” Students Phoebe Nichols and Rosalie Petrie said they were excited about joining the inaugural cohort. Petrie shared that becoming a teacher has been her lifelong goal, while Nichols emphasized the value of the opportunity. Both credited influential teachers in their own lives — including an orchestra teacher who “saw the good in every single kid” — as inspiration for entering the profession. The TRAC Teacher Apprenticeship is the first program of its kind in Utah, building on Salt Lake City School District's history of launching the state’s first youth apprenticeship in 2018. District leaders said they plan to expand into additional career pathways in the future. The event concluded with the official signing, applause, and cheers as each student’s name was called — marking the beginning of their journey to become Utah’s next generation of educators.

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