Alternative Teacher Certification Programs for Aspiring Teachers

Many people think of joining the teaching profession after graduating from college in other fields. Entering this niche, especially after specializing in a different degree subject, doesn’t require them to start the journey again. When people get to a point where they feel the need to impact society by imparting knowledge to the next generation, diversifying to teaching is an option they should consider. Here are some alternative teacher certification programs you should check out.

Requirements to Become a Certified Educator

As a primary prerequisite, people who want to follow this route need to have a bachelor’s degree in a particular field and from an accredited institution of higher learning. The education reduces the students’ time in learning programs geared toward achieving their teacher certification.

Each learner has to fulfill the following requirements:

• Achieve high-performance levels during the program and complete their training.
• Have a mastery of content in their respective fields.
• Liaise with mentors and participate in education-related workshops during their learning curve.
• They must have a degree in a field that’s non-teaching-related.
• Work with students in class as part of their assessment

Aspiring educators may acquire post-graduate certificates or a master’s degree, depending on their program.

Available Alternative Teacher Certification Programs

Each state demands varying requirements from anyone aspiring to complete an alternative certification program. Nevertheless, standard certification regulations apply across all states to make the recruitment process effortless and level.

Career and Technical Education Certification

Students who choose this option cover agriculture, business, health sciences, or IT. And while many institutions allow CTE prospectives to pick an array of options that lead to their certification, which are:

They can acquire a bachelor’s degree or associate degree in a subject of their choice through an accredited licensure school.

• Find formal work in their prospective niche for a minimum of five years.
• Register for a CTE certificate after securing employment in a school.
• Complete a teacher certification program while under teaching practice.
• Sit for state certification programs and ace the tests.
• Complete all provincial licensure requirements, then apply for a standard teaching certification program.

Certificates for Emergency and Provisional Teaching

States with an acute teacher shortage are the common areas that offer this certification. Such credits enable educators with a significant grasp of a particular subject to find work without applying for alternative teacher certification programs.

For an individual to enjoy the privilege of this option, they have to:

• Acquire a bachelor’s degree in the required subject.
• Get an employment letter from a school with a teacher deficit.
• Get the school district to send a request letter to the state board of education for a provincial teaching certificate on their behalf.
• Finalize any prerequisites hinged to the licensure.
• Work as a provincial educator during the license’s validity period.
• Ace the required tests to upgrade their provincial certificates to standard teacher certificates.

Certification by The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Established educators receive certification from this board. Unfortunately, this is not a fully accredited license, meaning that anyone with this certificate has to apply for higher-level teacher certification.

Completing the required degree, working in the field for at least three years, passing the NBPTS tests, and gaining the certificate through the state board of education are the mandatory steps a candidate must undergo to acquire licensure.

Formal Alternative Teacher Certification Package

Also known as university-based programs, this is the most prevalent certification option in most states. The available licensure programs gear toward awarding candidates a master’s degree and a teacher certification in their chosen subject.

In-District Training

Training within a particular district is another way to acquire an ATC, in addition to increased coursework during their training tenure. The state may recommend individuals who ace their teacher’s training program receive a full-time license.

The regulations, however, differ from one state to the next. And while this option is viable, it is only available in select states.

Portfolio Evaluations and Teaching Equivalency

While the state offers ATC tests to ascertain their mastery of a particular subject, the primary method that interested persons acquire an alternative certification for teachers in this option is through practice.

Not many states offer this course, but those that do require the applicant to demonstrate that they have what it takes to get the certification by sending in a written document proving their unmatched experience in a particular field.

Transition to Teaching

This program is available in a few states, and most of the learning takes place online. And while it is almost equivalent to a regular teacher certification program, two things stand out in this package.

Candidates receive the coursework through the program, not via a collaborating university. Additionally, learners begin their fieldwork much earlier compared to university-based programs. Nevertheless, each state offers differing requirements for this certification.

Final Thoughts

There, you can explore all of your options and learn more about what each program entails. We hope that this article has been helpful and provided some valuable information about alternative teacher certification programs.

Would you ever want to become a certified teacher?