Alternative Teacher Certification in Public Schools
Since some school districts in rural or inner city areas have a difficult time attracting teachers, many states have set up an alternate route to getting certification. This route is available to professionals who have already received their degree and have been working for several years since graduation.
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Reasons for Alternative Certification
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It can be difficult to attract good teachers to school districts in remote rural areas or in inner city schools. Rural schools struggle because they have a lack of lifestyle activities that many young teachers want. They may not have additional jobs for the teacher's spouse or partner. Often teachers will move on after teaching just a year or two. An alternative certification candidate is more invested in the community since he likely lives nearby. Inner city schools suffer from a high teacher turnover rate because of the struggles with violence and illiteracy in the schools. An alternative teacher brings real-world experience into the classroom.
Education Requirements
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To qualify for an alternative teacher certificate, you need to have completed a bachelor's degree with at least 30 credits in the subject you will be teaching. For this reason, most alternative teaching certificates are for secondary schools or specialty subjects in elementary school. A grade of C or better is usually required to be counted towards the requirement. Additionally many states require you to take a test proving your competency in the subject. All teachers need to pass these tests, not just alternative certificate teachers.
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Finding a Job
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To apply for an alternative certificate you need to find a job and then have your school district sponsor you when you apply. Principals look for candidates that will stay in the area after they have completed the program, so it may help if you are already local to the area and invested in the community. Once the school hires you, you need to complete a criminal background check that includes being fingerprinted. The school will help you begin filling out your alternative certificate application.
Completing Required Training/Degree
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After being hired, you will be issued a provisional or alternative license. This license expires in a set period of time ranging from two to four years. During that time you will be in a mentored teacher program and will be required to complete a set number of credit hours in teaching or education classes as prescribed by the state. Some states require you to get a master's degree. These classes may be available at a local university or through an education outreach program in your area. Your district may sponsor them, as well. Once you have completed the education requirements and the mentoring period, you can apply for a traditional license.
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