Job Discussion Forums

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Are there any alternative teacher programmes that you know of? In the sense that they don't require a teacher training programme, but just a certain number of hours of study in that subject. For example, to teach Spanish, you need 30 credit hours.

I know there is one in NJ, anyone know of others?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I�m looking into them, too. If I find any good ones, I�ll let you know! I do know that there are certain less-than-desirable school districts that will help you either get an emergency credential or transfer an emergency credential into a proper one if you work in their district. There�s one that I know of in Philadelphia (it advertises here on Dave�s periodically), and one in Nashville, I think...

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Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:04 pm Post subject:

Courtesy of guangho:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=34610

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Thanks, I will look into them.

trickee2 · Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 9

There are alt cert programs in many states, but mostly for critical shortage areas like math, science, ESL, Bilingual Ed (not spanish class). It does cost money, but a lot of districts will hire you with a degree of course and put you through their own AC (alt cert) program and take it out of your paycheck monthly. I've taught a couple those shortage areas for 5 years in 2 different states.

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject:

trickee2--

I hear that most schools don't have full-fledged ESL programs due to a shortage of NEP's. Is that the case at your school? It seems like most teachers end up becoming certified in one area (say, Math or Science) and add on a credential in order to satisfy the "highly-qualified" requirement of NCLB.

When I asked the state coordinator in Arkansas, she said I'd need to take the PRAXIS for teaching Business (my undergrad degree), and then I could take the four courses required for an ESL Endorsement, in which case, I wouldn't really be an ESL teacher, rather, I'd be teaching ESL part-time in addition to my *normal* subject area.

I suppose in a case like this, an MA would supercede a teaching license if you wanted to work in a University (and that's the only case I can think of).

Any insights from the field?

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

don`t forget community colleges either if you aren`t certified.

ramble right · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 8

Here's a comprehensive US-wide site for Alt. Cert.:
The National Center for Alternative Certification (US)
http://www.teach-now.org/

Many high-need areas have fast-track programs that will put you in a classroom without the traditional year-long preparation, but sometimes do not offer a certificate at the end of your 2 or 3 year contract. Some are state programs, some are city-only (ie. boston, oakland, etc.)

Most state alt. cert. programs I've looked into require 3 years of service after completing a summer intensive program. Texas is the only state I know of that only requires 2 years. Teach For America also only requires 2 years; some states don't offer alternative certification programs outside of TFA.