Colorado Mountain College student Justyne Terry works with third-grade students at Wamsley Elementary School in Rifle. Terry is the first in Colorado to complete the state’s teacher apprenticeship program. Photo by Ben Suddendorf/Colorado Mountain College
How a paid teacher apprenticeship model is helping Western Slope classrooms reduce shortages
This story by reporter Andrea Teres-Martinez about CMC's teacher apprenticeship program ran in six regional newspapers during May 2026.
By Andrea Teres-Martinez, Swift regional education reporter
Following state efforts directed at getting more licensed teachers in Colorado classrooms, the state has officially graduated its first student from a new paid teacher apprenticeship model — and she’s already helping to fill critical classroom needs on the Western Slope.
Justyne Terry, a Colorado Mountain College student in Rifle, became the first in the state to complete Colorado’s Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Program. She says the program made it possible for her to earn her license and collect thousands of hours of in-classroom teaching experience — all while earning an income.
“Students like Justyne … are credentialed the whole time they’re in the apprenticeship pathway, which is very unique in teacher education,” said Liz Qualman, director of Colorado Mountain College’s teacher education program.
Visit the Post Independent to read the full story.