STEM Apprentice Teacher (2027-2028 School Year)

Thank you for your interest in joining us as a STEM Apprentice Teacher for the 2027-2028 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. This program is designed for people who are excited about becoming a teacher and interested in starting their long-term education career with a strong foundation. 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 by February 2027. If you have additional questions or require a different timeline, please reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org.

POSITION: STEM Apprentice Teacher (2027-2028 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 + benefits. Possibilities for extra pay through substitute teaching. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!

COURSEWORK & LICENSURE: All DSST Apprentice Teachers are required to enroll in Metro State University of Denver’s 1-Year Alternative Licensure Program. Our goal is to make licensure as close to cost-free as possible, and DSST covers tuition and fees in exchange for a 3-year teaching commitment.

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

START DATE: Metro State University’s orientation is held mid- to late-July. All new staff attend an in-person New Staff Institute at the end of July 2027. You can get a better idea of our school year by viewing 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 and apply to a Lead Teaching Role at DSST. 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 MSU Denver Alt Licensure 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 (July 2027-June 2028), and we are looking for aspiring educators who can commit to the length of the program in its entirety.

What does a typical week look like for Apprentice Teachers (ATs)?

• 4 days per week, ATs are in their mentor teacher’s classroom, observing exemplary teaching, working with students, and getting hands-on practice with instruction
• ATs receive weekly structured coaching & feedback from their mentor teachers
• 1 day per week, all DSST ATs meet at MSU Denver to engage in licensure coursework, with a professor focused solely on the AT cohort
• ATs receive monthly observations & coaching from their MSU professor

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.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

Minimum Qualification

• 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 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
• Enrollment in and completion of MSU Denver’s 1-year alternative licensure program
• Commitment to education as a career, with a plan to stay employed with DSST for at least three (3) years.
• A plan and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of your content area (Secondary Math or Science) by August 1st, 2028.

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!