Alternative Teacher Certifications
Due to the high-demand for teachers in certain subject areas and in some locations, almost all states have created alternative certification routes for individuals to become licensed teachers. Traditionally, a bachelor's degree in education was a requirement to become a licensed teacher. Now, in an effort to attract people working in another field, states have made it easier for those who already have a bachelor's degree to become licensed teachers. The programs that lead to alternative licensing are referred to as post-baccalaureate teaching programs. Rather than lead to a formal degree, these programs aim to meet the requirements for alternative teacher certifications.
Post-baccalaureate teacher programs are designed for those individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education. Students take a number of courses in teacher education subjects that then enable them to qualify for full teacher certification.
Types of Alternative Certifications
Unfortunately, there is no standard alternative certification route as each state, and sometimes local school system, has their own requirements for alternative licensing. Many states even have multiple alternative routes available. Students need to be careful to select a program which meets the requirements of the state or locality where they intend to work.
Alternative teacher certifications are not always available for all levels of education and all subject areas. Some are only applicable to the upper grade levels or to subject areas that are in high-demand. Again, this varies by state, and sometimes, locality within a state. In general, there are two categories of alternative certifications, with specific requirements defined by each program.
- Provisional certification – This type of certification, sometimes called a temporary certificate, initial licensure or transitional certificate, typically allows a person with a bachelor's degree to start teaching after meeting some minimum requirements. They must then complete required courses and/or assessments within a defined period of time to earn a standard certification. These provisional certifications are usually valid for one to three years and are typically non-renewable.
- Alternative route to standard certification – This option allows a person with a non-education bachelor's degree to take a number of education courses to then qualify for a standard teaching certificate. In this case, they do not start teaching until they complete the coursework and meet other certification requirements.
Schools
Many colleges and universities including online colleges, offer post-baccalaureate programs to meet alternative teaching certification requirements. There are also private programs whose only mission is to provide alternative certification training that meets the specific requirements of one state. In Florida, the Florida Department of Education is the administrator of a distance-learning training program that satisfies the education requirements for alternative certification in that state. Even though they are not granting a degree, many post-baccalaureate programs qualify to offer financial aid including the federal TEACH grant.
Coursework
Below are some examples of typical courses included in a post- baccalaureate teaching program:
- Effective Teaching
- Childhood Development
- Adolescent Psychology
- Classroom Management
- Reading Strategies
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Working with Special Needs Students
Alternative Certification Requirements
Each state has its own specific requirements but below are some examples of what may be required:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Bachelor's degree in one of specific list of majors
- Passing grades in basic state education skills test
- Passing grade in subject area specific test
- Completion of specific education classes or post-baccalaureate program
How to Evaluate Alternative Teacher Certification Programs
The most critical aspect of choosing a post-baccalaureate teaching program is making sure it meets the minimum requirements of the alternative teaching certification route that the student plans to become licensed under. Some other things to consider are discussed below:
- In-state programs - Program providers within the state for which certification will be sought are usually preferable since they typically create their program to meet the state's specific requirements.
- Online schools – Many online schools serve residents across the U.S. so more diligence will be needed to ensure the program meets an individual state's requirements.
- State Department of Education – Review the details on the state's department of education website to determine alternate certification route requirements. If in doubt about whether a particular program will meet the requirements, contact someone in person to verify.
- Financial Aid - Students in many programs are eligible for federal financial aid so choosing a program that offers financial aid can be important for some.
Who Should Consider Alternative Certification
Those who choose to pursue teacher certification under an alternative certification routes are often older adults who have been working in another career. Their maturity and past experience enables them to make a strong commitment to their new career as they are often trading a less fulfilling career for one they feel a strong calling to. This option attracts more men and minorities than are attracted to traditional teaching degree programs.
Resources
National Center for Alternative Certification – Provides state-level information as well as thorough overview.
National Center for Education Information: Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification – Provides general information.
U.S. Department of Education: Transition to Teaching
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