STEM Apprentice Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)

Thank you for your interest in joining us as a STEM Apprentice Teacher for the 2026-2027 School Year! The DSST STEM Apprentice Teacher Program is a rigorous pathway to teaching that allows you to “earn while you learn” through full-time, hands-on apprenticeship. Please read the position description in detail before applying. By completing this application, you will be placed into our talent pool for this program. Our team will review all applications and get back to candidates who have been selected to move forward within one week. If you have additional questions or require a different timeline, please reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org.

POSITION: STEM Apprentice Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

SUBJECT: Apprenticeship available in Math, Science, & STEM Elective classrooms

LOCATION: Hiring at multiple locations. You can find more information about our different campuses here.

SALARY: $48,000 salary, full benefits, and the possibility of cost-free tuition to MSU Denver's Alternative Licensure program to receive your Colorado teaching license. Finally, we also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!

STATUS: Full time school year (fixed term), benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position

START DATE: Immediate preferred. You can view the current School Year Calendar here.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Launch your teaching career with a team of extraordinary educators! DSST’s STEM Apprentice Teacher (AT) Program is a year-long teaching residency designed to support you in learning to teach at DSST Public Schools while also earning a competitive salary. You’ll gain transformative classroom experience and development under the guidance of a DSST Mentor Teacher and a program designed to improve your craft through intentional learning, observation, and practice. At the end of your first year, you’ll have your license at a free or heavily subsidized rate. Our goal is at the end of this gradual year-long experience, you will have the confidence and opportunity to lead your own classroom within our network.

• Your primary responsibility is to learn!
  • Shadow an assigned Mentor Teacher
  • Observe various DSST Teachers
  • Practice teaching real classes
  • Get direct feedback from your Mentor Teacher
  • Participate in school and network provided development
  • Attend Relay GSE classes and obtain your teaching license
• Apprentice Teachers may also take on additional duties as assigned, such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, after school tutoring, etc. Explore many of our possible additional duties here.
• Please note that this is a 11-month program with a service requirement of two (2) years after completion of the apprenticeship. We are looking for aspiring educators who can commit to the length of the program in its entirety.

Apprentice Teacher Sample Schedule

This is an example and will vary depending on your campus placement, mentor teacher, and content area. Most middle and high school teachers teach the same content to 3-4 different groups of students per day.

Placement Classroom: 7th Grade Science Date: Mid-September

• 8:20-8:50: Co-lead Homeroom, focusing on your advisory of 15 students
• 8:53-10:05: Meet with mentor to review the day’s lesson & prep materials
• 10:08-11:20: Observe as mentor teaches 7th Grade Science class
• 11:20-11:50: Lunch duty - supervise cafeteria
• 11:53-1:05: Observe 15 min as mentor teaches 7th Grade Science, then observe an 8th Grade Science class for remainder of period
• 1:09-2:21: Eat lunch & debrief with mentor about what you observed. Get ready to teach beginning of last period
• 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

Key Differences between Apprentice Teachers and Lead Teachers:

In the beginning of the Apprentice Teaching experience, the Apprentice Teacher will be observing and supporting their mentor (lead teacher) in their classroom, as well as likely managing a small advisory group. Lead Teachers assume full responsibility for long term planning, daily planning; assessment creation, data analysis, or behavior management. Through an intentional gradual release, the Apprentice Teacher will transition to managing more of these lead teacher components as the year progresses. By the end of the year, it is the goal of the Apprentice Teacher to manage the majority of long and short-term planning, assessment creation, data analysis, and behavior management so that they are ready to assume full responsibility of a classroom in the following school year as a lead teacher.

STEM Apprentice Teacher Pathway & MSU Denver ALP

DSST Apprentice Teachers commit to enrollment in and completion of MSU Denver's Alternative Licensure coursework (licensure and optional master's degree pathway). For math and science teaching candidates, this preferred partner program is aligned with DSST’s core teaching practices and is highly regarded by our DSST Apprentice Teacher alums. More information can be found here.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A completed Bachelor’s 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 middle & high school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives
• Desire to personally professionally grow in their practice of becoming an anti-racist educator
• Self-awareness, a regular practice of reflection, and a desire to continuously improve
• Enroll in and complete MSU's 1-year licensure program

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Any experience working with youth ages 11-18
• Proven commitment to and experience with serving students of color, students with disabilities, and/or multilingual students

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

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, the 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 7,500+ 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 2024–25 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.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person 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, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.

About Us

DSST Public Schools is a network of middle and high schools located in Denver, Colorado. We foster school communities where our students and staff become the best versions of themselves. At the core of our approach are strong and meaningful relationships, fostered in small schools, that ensure every student and staff member is known and valued for their unique contributions. Through this whole child approach, we operate many of the top middle and high schools in the city of Denver. But the true success has been that all our graduating seniors have been accepted into college since the first graduating class in 2004. Join a team that’s making an impact – apply to DSST!