Apprenticeship Navigator

About Black Men Teach (BMT)

Black Men Teach is a movement and a mission — building a future where every child has the opportunity to learn from, be led by, and be inspired by a Black male educator. We recruit, prepare, and support Black men to enter and thrive in the classroom, strengthening schools and transforming communities in the process. At BMT, we’re reimagining what it means to teach, lead, and belong. Our team is bold, innovative, and deeply rooted in purpose. We don’t just talk about change — we design it, build it, and live it every day. Our work is rooted in the belief that representation matters—and that our children’s schooling experience will never be complete without Black male teachers in the classroom.
 

Role Purpose

The Apprenticeship Navigator serves as the primary relationship manager, advocate, and leadership coach for Black Men Teach participants enrolled in the Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota program. This unique, partnership-funded position bridges Black Men Teach and Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota by ensuring apprentices receive holistic support, meaningful leadership development, and culturally responsive coaching throughout their apprenticeship journey.

Reporting to the Director, Collective Impact & Partnerships, this role works collaboratively with school districts, apprenticeship partners, higher education institutions, mentors, and organizational staff to strengthen apprentice persistence, leadership identity, and successful transition into the teaching profession.

The ideal candidate is a trusted relationship builder, systems navigator, and leadership coach who is passionate about developing Black educators, removing barriers to success, and strengthening educator pathways through collaboration and advocacy.
 

Core Responsibilities: 

• Apprentice Navigation & Success Coaching (30%)
  • Serve as the primary navigator, advocate, and support partner for Black Men Teach apprentices participating in Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota.
  • Build authentic, trusting relationships through regular coaching conversations, site visits, and individualized support.
  • Guide apprentices in navigating school systems, district culture, educator preparation expectations, and workplace dynamics.
  • Support apprentices experiencing challenges by coordinating timely interventions with mentors, supervisors, school leaders, and apprenticeship partners.
  • Monitor apprentice engagement, persistence, and overall well-being while proactively addressing barriers to success.
  • Connect apprentices to organizational resources, professional opportunities, and support networks that promote long-term retention.
• Leadership Development & Professional Learning (25%)
  • Design and facilitate leadership development experiences that strengthen educator identity, confidence, and professional effectiveness.
  • Lead cohort-based learning experiences focused on culturally responsive leadership, communication, influence, resilience, and educational equity.
  • Integrate Black Men Teach's leadership philosophy and brotherhood model into apprenticeship programming.
  • Facilitate reflective conversations that encourage growth, purpose, and lifelong leadership.
  • Connect apprentices to Black Men Teach leadership opportunities, professional development, and educator networks.
• Partnership Engagement & Ecosystem Collaboration (20%)
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Black Men Teach, Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota, school districts, higher education partners, mentors, and apprenticeship stakeholders.
  • Strengthen collaborative relationships that improve apprentice experiences and educator pathway outcomes.
  • Participate in partner meetings, district convenings, and cross-organizational planning efforts.
  • Collaborate with instructional coaches, faculty, supervisors, and mentors to ensure coordinated support for apprentices.
  • Identify partnership opportunities that strengthen apprenticeship implementation and educator retention.
• Program Monitoring, Data & Continuous Improvement (10%)
  • Track apprentice engagement, coaching interactions, leadership development, and program participation.
  • Maintain accurate coaching documentation, partnership records, and program reports.
  • Identify trends, successes, and emerging challenges to inform continuous improvement efforts.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Impact & Evaluation to monitor outcomes and strengthen apprenticeship effectiveness.
  • Prepare reports and updates for organizational leadership and funding partners.
• Organizational Representation & Advocacy (5%)
  • Represent Black Men Teach and Teacher Apprenticeship Minnesota at conferences, statewide initiatives, funder meetings, and community convenings.
  • Support storytelling efforts that elevate apprentice voices, partnership successes, and organizational impact.
  • Advocate for culturally responsive educator preparation and equitable apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Champion Black Men Teach's mission, values, and commitment to increasing Black male representation in education.
     

Qualifications & Attributes

• Required 
  • Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Higher Education, Human Services, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in educator preparation, apprenticeship programs, higher education, coaching, youth development, leadership development, or nonprofit leadership.
  • Experience supporting educators, apprentices, or historically underrepresented populations.
  • Strong coaching, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate across school districts, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and project management skills.
  • Commitment to educational equity and increasing the representation of Black male educators.
  • Ability to travel regularly throughout Minnesota.
• Preferred 
  • Teaching experience or educator preparation experience.
  • Experience with registered apprenticeship or teacher residency programs.
  • Knowledge of Minnesota educator licensure pathways.
  • Experience facilitating professional learning or leadership development programs.
  • Experience working within cross-sector partnerships.
     

Skills & Competencies: 

• Mission Alignment: Models Black Men Teach's mission and commitment to expanding opportunities for Black male educators.
• Leadership Coaching & Mentorship: Develops emerging educators through coaching, accountability, and leadership development.
• Relationship Building & Partnership Management: Builds authentic relationships across school districts, higher education institutions, nonprofit partners, and apprenticeship stakeholders.
• Facilitation & Professional Learning: Designs and delivers engaging learning experiences that strengthen educator leadership and professional growth.
• Systems Navigation & Advocacy: Helps apprentices successfully navigate complex educational systems while removing barriers to success.
• Execution & Accountability: Effectively manages multiple priorities while ensuring high-quality support and timely follow-through.
• Equity & Inclusion: Creates affirming environments that promote belonging, culturally responsive practices, and equitable opportunities.
   

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside different facilities (e.g., schools) or offices throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in-person. 
• Ability to travel frequently throughout Minnesota to school districts, apprenticeship sites, colleges, conferences, and partner meetings.
• Ability to facilitate professional learning, coaching sessions, and meetings in both virtual and in-person environments.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends to support apprenticeship programming, conferences, recruitment activities, and community events.
   

Work Environment

• The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday. To support collaboration, community building, and teamwork, Black Men Teach requires staff to work on-site three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday. Mondays and Fridays are designated as remote workdays.
• This position operates in a collaborative, fast-paced hybrid work environment requiring frequent interaction with colleagues, partners, schools, and community stakeholders. The role requires flexibility, effective prioritization, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
   

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $80,000 – $95,000. Final salary is determined by BMT based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. BMT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the whole person — your health, your future, and your life outside of work:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance — BMT covers 75% of the employee premium and 65% of dependent premiums
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid sick leave, and company-observed holidays in accordance with Black Men Teach's leave policies
• Professional development opportunities aligned with your growth
• We offer a hybrid work environment that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and community connection.
   

EEO Statement 

Black Men Teach (BMT) is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 

Join Us! 

If you’re passionate about reimagining systems and creating lasting impact, we invite you to bring your ideas and energy to BMT. Together, we’re not just transforming education — we’re transforming possibility.