09/15/2000

Alternative Teacher Certification

A teacher shortage exists in many parts of the United States. One approach to reducing the shortage is to develop and implement alternative certification programs, so that professionals trained in other fields can qualify for teaching positions. Many state departments of education have adopted alternative certification programs. The general requirements of these programs are listed below, along with references to Web sites that provide state by state program specifics.

The alternative certification process generally includes holding a bachelors degree in the subject to be taught; achieving a passing score on a certification test; undergoing brief, intensive teacher training; and completing a supervised teaching internship. Some states have developed a process for evaluating knowledge gained from on-the-job experience for credit toward meeting certification requirements. The alternative certification process is designed to certify candidates who have subject matter competencies, but have not completed formal teacher preparation.

According to the National Center for Education Information, 39 states are experimenting with alternative certification programs, with the general goals of attracting talented people and career changers to the teaching profession and to avert teacher shortages where they exist. >From 1983 to 1996, over 50,000 teachers received training and certification through alternative programs. Those numbers have climbed rapidly in ensuing years.

Critics of alternative approaches say that too many retirees and burned out executives will be attracted to teaching, people unfamiliar with the latest knowledge in their fields and many without computer skills, considered essential for effective teaching. Interviews of candidates, however, find that the most are attracted to teaching because:

• It provides a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction
• Respected friends have convinced them to enter the field
• They can help those less fortunate
• They can make better use of their skills and talents than in their previous jobs
• It represents advancement in their career

http://www.edexcellence.net/better/tchrs/15.htm

As a student, teacher or parent, what is your opinion about bringing professionals from other fields into teaching through alternative programs?

Other Links:

National Association for Alternative Certification

The National Center for Alternative Teacher Certification Information

State-by-state routes to Alternative Certification

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.