SUMMARY OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASSES A & B
ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION ROUTES, State-by-State: 2004

Jump Right To Your State By Letter.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Alabama
Name of Program Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Approach
Class B
Pre-Service  
Field-Based Participant employed with same local board or nonpublic school for three consecutive years, and must teach a majority of the time in the area and at grade level of certificate
Courses In Education 12 semester or 18 quarter hours
Content Courses  
Mentor Mentor for years one and two
Operator LEA or nonpublic school
Who Evaluates LEA or nonpublic school
Length 3 years
Other  
Alabama
Name of Program Preliminary Certificate Approach
Class B
Pre-Service  
Field-Based Holder is eligible for the Professional Educator Certificate upon completion of two years of successful teaching while holding the Preliminary Certificate
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator LEA or nonpublic school
Who Evaluates LEA or nonpublic school
Length 2 years
Other Preliminary Certificate valid for two years and may be re-issued one time for one year
Arkansas
Name of Program Non-Traditional Licensure Program
Class B
Pre-Service Mandatory attendance of all summer preparation sessions
Field-Based 50 hours of teaching under a mentor; 120 teaching days; 210 hours of intensive specialized teacher preparation
Courses In Education 15 preparation modules including classroom management, instructional delivery, thinking and writing skills, and assessments
Content Courses 15 preparation modules including classroom management, instructional delivery, thinking and writing skills, and assessments
Mentor Pathwise trained mentor assigned by school district
Operator SEA, Prof. Quality Enhance-ment, Non-Traditional Licensure Program
Who Evaluates LEA
Length 2 years
Other Passing score on PRAXIS II specialty area test and PRAXIS II P.L.T. and PPST
California
Name of Program District Intern Certificate
Class A
Pre-Service 120 clock hours or equivalent component in child development and methods of teaching and ongoing teacher preparation over two years
Field-Based 2-year professional development program (approx. additional 360 clock hours), including training, support and assistance, and annual evaluation. For special ed, an additional 120 clock hours
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor Each intern must be supported by at least one mentor or designated support person
Operator LEA
Who Evaluates LEA
Length 2 years, may be extended Special Ed-3 years
Other  
California
Name of Program Early Completion Intern Option
Class A
Pre-Service  
Field-Based Candidate demonstrates performance in the classroom
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator LEA
Who Evaluates LEA
Length No limit. As little as 1 semester
Other Complete California Teaching Performance Assessment (or other authorized assessment of classroom performance), and other LEA requirements. Candidates for multi-subject credential must also pass Reading Instruction Competency Assessment
Colorado
Name of Program Teacher in Residence
Class B
Pre-Service  
Field-Based Teachers in residence hired by district serve as non-licensed teachers for 2 years
Courses In Education District collaborates with an IHE in design and delivery of a teacher ed program based on same performance-based standards used in collegiate teacher ed programs
Content Courses  
Mentor Mentor and supervisor. Must be observed and supervised for a minimum of 100 hours each year
Operator LEA and IHE
Who Evaluates LEA and IHE
Length 2 years
Other Must pass state's content test prior to April 15 of first year
Colorado
Name of Program Alternative Teacher Program
Class B
Pre-Service  
Field-Based One year of teaching, training and supervision
Courses In Education 225 clock hours of professional education based on same performance based standards used in collegiate teacher Ed programs
Content Courses  
Mentor Supervision and guidance by members of support team, including: mentor teacher, principal and rep of an IHE
Operator LEA and IHE
Who Evaluates LEA and IHE
Length 1 year
Other CO Dept. of Ed. evaluates for eligibility to initially participate in the program; evaluation for employment is conducted by a Designated Agency.
Connecticut
Name of Program Alternate Route to Teacher Certification
Class B
Pre-Service 8-week summer term of full-time study, including 3-week student teaching experience OR weekend program that runs from Oct. to May, and includes 4 weeks of student teaching
Field-Based Employed Alternate Route teachers participate in the Beginning Educators Support and Training (BEST) Program of the State Dept. of Ed
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor Mentor
Operator CT public school teachers, IHEs and professionals from diverse public and non-public agencies
Who Evaluates SEA
Length 8 weeks followed by BEST or weekends Oct.-May
Other Non-credit program
Delaware
Name of Program Delaware Alternative Route to Certification (ARTC)
Class B
Pre-Service Summer Institute of two courses in effective teaching (instructional design, planning, assessment and delivery) and classroom mgmt.
Field-Based Employing school provides intensive on-the-job mentoring and supervision by a school administrator - successful classroom performance is documented as an internship in lieu of the student-teaching requirement
Courses In Education 15 graduate credits in professional education (including Summer Institute): effective teaching strategies, adolescent development and classroom mgmt., reading in the secondary content areas, classroom diversity (including multicultural education and special needs students) and methods in the specific teaching field.
Content Courses Candidates who need additional courses in subject area may take longer to complete certification requirements.
Mentor Intensive on-the-job mentoring by employing school administrator
Operator LEA and IHE
Who Evaluates DE Dept. of Education
Length 12-18 months
Other  
District of Columbia
Name of Program D.C. Teaching Fellows
Class B
Pre-Service Comprehensive instructional summer institute
Field-Based  
Courses In Education 24-32 semester hours
Content Courses  
Mentor Exstensive support network
Operator D.C. Teacher Education and Certification Branch and local school administrators
Who Evaluates D.C. Teacher Education and Certification Branch and local school administrators
Length 2 year commitment to teach in a D.C. public school
Other D.C. Mayor and Public Schools Supt. Calling on 100 of nation's most outstanding professionals to become Fellows and commit two years to teaching in D.C. public schools
Florida
Name of Program Alternative Certification Program
Class B
Pre-Service  
Field-Based Two years to complete requirements for the professional Certificate, which are to: satisfy professional ed courses and practical experience requirements; satisfy regency of credit requirements; demonstrate professional ed competencies. Attain passing score on Professional Education Subtest; passing score on General Knowledge Test; Passing score on subject area exam
Courses In Education Same as above
Content Courses Same as above
Mentor  
Operator Local school district works with candidate to achieve the required competencies set by the state. Each school district must offer a competency-based alternative certification program.
Who Evaluates LEA and IHE
Length Up to 3 years
Other  
Georgia
Name of Program Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP
Class A
Pre-Service Intensive 4-week summer preparation program; introduction to teaching
Field-Based 2-year classroom based induction training period while teaching. Intensive monitoring, supervision, and mentoring during this period
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator Collaborative unit made up of IHE, LEA, and Regional Education Service Agency (RESA)
Who Evaluates IHE, LEA, RESA
Length 2 years
Other Pass Praxis II content exam during 1st year. For hires after school year begins, shorter pre-service training, with classes held after school hours.
Hawaii
Name of Program Alternative Licensing Program in Special Education (RISE)
Class B
Pre-Service 1992
Field-Based 2-year on-the-job program, based on special education competencies
Courses In Education 24 semester hours of special education
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator SEA and IHE
Who Evaluates SEA and IHE
Length 2 years
Other  
Idaho
Name of Program Secondary Field Centered Teacher Training Program: An Alternative Route to Certification
Class B
Pre-Service 9 semester hours from an IHE. Complete 30 contact hour pre-service orientation by the LEA prior to employ-
ment
Field-Based Internship of 2 academic years
Courses In Education 6 to 9 semester hour program during the second summer from an IHE. Consortium composed of the mentor teacher, rep from the school district, rep from Office of Teacher Ed and Cert, and rep from participating IHE will determine the content required for the trainee, which may include both pedagogical and subject area coursework. Pre-service and second summer total 15-18 semester hours
Content Courses Same as above
Mentor Each trainee must be assisted by and guided throughout the 2-year training program by a mentor -- a certified employee of the district designated as a mentor teacher
Operator SEA, LEA and IHE
Who Evaluates Consortium
Length 2 years
Other  
Kentucky
Name of Program Alternative Route - Local District Certificate Option
Class B
Pre-Service Full-time seminar and practicum of no less than 8 weeks
Field-Based 18 week period of supervision, while candidate assumes responsibility on a half-time basis for the classroom, including weekly visits by the professional support team, and 3 formal evaluations AND 18 week period of supervision, while candidate assumes full responsibility for the classroom, including monthly visits and at least 2 evaluations
Courses In Education At least 250 hours of formal instruction
Content Courses  
Mentor Four-member professional support team (school principal, experienced teacher, instructional supervisor and college/university faculty member)
Operator Same as above
Who Evaluates Same as above
Length 44 weeks
Other  
Louisiana
Name of Program Louisiana Alternative Teacher Certification Program: Practitioner Teacher Program
Class A
Pre-Service 9 credit hours or 135 contact hours during summer
Field-Based Teaching internship as full-time teacher
Courses In Education 2 seminars during year to address immediate needs of participants
Content Courses  
Mentor Mentor teachers provided by the LA Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program and principals
Operator Receive one-on-one supervision through an internship program by the program providers
Who Evaluates Private providers and colleges or universities
Length Not specified
Other Program providers, principals, mentors and practitioner teachers form teams to review and evaluate performance and recommend types of instruction needed
Maryland
Name of Program Resident Teacher Certificate
Class A
Pre-Service 135 clock hours of ed courses
Field-Based 1 year of successful teaching
Courses In Education 135 additional hours for elementary teachers and 180 additional hours for secondary teachers
Content Courses  
Mentor Certified teacher serves as mentor
Operator Local School System or cooperatively with an IHE, or other approved educational course provider
Who Evaluates Local school system
Length 1 year. After an additional year of successful teaching, Resident Teacher may be issued the Standard Professional Certificate
Other  
Massachusetts
Name of Program Massachusetts Institute for New Teachers (MINT)
Class A
Pre-Service 200 clock hours of professional development during summer
Field-Based Teach full-time in public school
Courses In Education 18 clock hours of support seminars
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator  
Who Evaluates Educator Quality Enhance- ment cluster of State Dept. of Education
Length 7-week summer program followed by one year of full-time teaching in urban schools
Other MINT participants compile a portfolio that reflects how they meet the SEA Professional Standards for Teachers; assessment evaluated by the SEA Portfolio Advisory Team of master teachers
Massachusetts
Name of Program The Preliminary License
Class A
Pre-Service Candidate must only document knowledge of the subject matter to be issued a license
Field-Based  
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor Provided by hiring school district
Operator The commonwealth of Massachusetts
Who Evaluates  
Length 5 years of employment
Other  
To See The Full Description of This Alternate Route Click Here!
Minnesota
Name of Program Alternative Preparation To Teacher Licensure Program
Class B
Pre-Service Instruction phase involving intensive preparation before candidate assumes responsibility for a classroom
Field-Based Formal instruction and peer coaching during school year. Assessment, supervision and evaluation to determine candidate's specific needs
Courses In Education Same as above
Content Courses  
Mentor Staff development conducted by a Resident Mentorship Team made up of administrators, teachers, and postsecondary faculty members
Operator Same as above
Who Evaluates Resident Mentorship Team
Length 1 year
Other Research-based and results-oriented approach, focused on skills teachers need to be effective
Mississippi
Name of Program Teach Mississippi Program
Class B
Pre-Service 8 week, 9 semester hour summer program
Field-Based 1 semester, 3 semester hour, supervised internship, to be completed while the teacher is employed as a full-time teacher intern in a school district
Courses In Education Same as above
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator  
Who Evaluates Mississippi State Deptartment of Education
Length 5 years renewable
Other  
To See The Full Description of This Alternate Route Click Here!
Mississippi
Name of Program Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers
Class B
Pre-Service 2-3 week Teach Mississippi Training Institute
Field-Based Complete new teacher practicums, new teacher training models, and a local district evaluation during first year of employment
Courses In Education Same as above
Content Courses  
Mentor Mentor and intensive induction program by LEA
Operator  
Who Evaluates Mississippi State Department of Education
Length 3 years
Other Pass Praxis II Specialty Area Test at end of 3rd year - issued Standard 5-Year License
To See The Full Description of This Alternate Route Click Here!
New Jersey
Name of Program Provisional Teacher Program
Class A
Pre-Service  
Field-Based 34 weeks of full-time classroom competency development
Courses In Education 200 hours of essential professional knowledge and skills presented after school and/or on Saturdays at a district-operated or state-operated training center
Content Courses  
Mentor Experienced mentor teacher
Operator LEA, IHE, SEA
Who Evaluates State Board of Examiners
Length 1 year
Other Evaluations conducted by school principal or administrative designee. At least 3 evaluations
New Mexico
Name of Program Alternative Licensure
Class A
Pre-Service  
Field-Based Student teaching or field-based program
Courses In Education 12-18 semester hours at a college or university or demonstrated competencies
Content Courses  
Mentor 1-3 year mentorship
Operator IHE with district
Who Evaluates State Board of Education
Length 1 to 3 years
Other Candidate must be candidate for employment by local board or nonpublic accredited school
New York
Name of Program Alternative Teacher Certification - Transitional B
Class A
Pre-Service 200 clock hours of pedagogy, including 40 hours of field experiences
Field-Based  
Courses In Education Part-time collegiate study in pedagogy while teaching
Content Courses  
Mentor 24 months professional and/or work experience in field or related fields in which certification if sought
Operator IHE with district
Who Evaluates  
Length Valid for three years
Other With Transitional B Certificate, candidate must pass the NY Liberal Arts and Sciences test and the Content Specialty Test, and complete an approved 2 hour course in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment and a 2-hour course on school violence prevention and intervention
South Carolina
Name of Program Program of Alternative Certification for Educators
Class B
Pre-Service Pre-service institute to prepare teacher for the opening of school (with training during 1st year, a total of 14 days).
Field-Based Complete 3 years of full-time teaching. Training -- 1st year: sessions totaling 15 days, including pre-service institute; 2nd year: sessions totaling 12 days, including an institute during 2nd summer.
Courses In Education Over 3 years, complete 3 graduate-level professional education courses as prescribed in the teacher's professional development plan
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator LEA and IHE
Who Evaluates LEA and IHE
Length 3 years, must complete requirements for complete certificate in 3 years
Other Pass Principles of Learning and Teaching exam
South Dakota
Name of Program Alternative Route to Certification
Class B
Pre-Service  
Field-Based Complete 3 year program consisting of on-the-job training (2 semesters), mentorship, an orientation program provided by the employing school district, and six semester hours of education coursework
Courses In Education Over 3 years, complete 6 semester hours of pedagogy coursework based on a review of the candidate's transcript, 3 semester hours of Human Relations and 3 semester hours of South Dakota Indian Studies
Content Courses  
Mentor Participate in "approved teacher mentoring program" provided by employing school district
Operator State
Who Evaluates LEA and South Dakota Department of Education
Length About 3 years
Other Pass Praxis exam; complete all required coursework with a 'C' average
Texas
Name of Program Alternative Teacher Certification
Class A
Pre-Service Intern must complete any training in teaching methods and classroom management prescribed by the state, either during the pre-assignment training or during the internship year
Field-Based One year internship, receiving close support and assistance on a regular basis from a certified mentor teacher who is teaching either in the same or in a related subject area.
Courses In Education Intern must complete any training in teaching methods and classroom management prescribed by the state
Content Courses  
Mentor Certified mentor teacher provided by employing school district
Operator LEA, IHE, and regional education service center
Who Evaluates The school principal, ACP program supervisor or ACP director
Length Probation-ary certif-icate is valid for one year. It may be renewed for up to two additional years
Other Individual certificate programs require varying amounts of additional coursework to meet unique competency requirements of each certificate
Utah
Name of Program Alternative Routes to Licensure
Class A
Pre-Service LEA observations of classroom performance
Field-Based Show competencies through 15 semester hours of IHE courses, LEA professional development, or content tests
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor Trained mentor
Operator LEA and IHE
Who Evaluates LEA
Length 4 years
Other  
Utah
Name of Program Utah Transition to Teaching Alternative Program (UTTAP)
Class A
Pre-Service  
Field-Based As interns, teach for one year
Courses In Education 15 semester hours of core curriculum
Content Courses  
Mentor Work with trained mentor for 3 years
Operator LEA, IHE
Who Evaluates USOE
Length 3 year commitment
Other 25 individuals will be accepted into the program; tuition scholarships provided; requires a 3 year commitment or repay scholarship
To See The Full Description of This Alternate Route Click Here!
Washington
Name of Program Alternative Route 3 under Partnership Grants Program
Class B
Pre-Service Cohorts of candidates attend intensive summer teacher academy
Field-Based 1 year internship employed by LEA, followed, if necessary, by a 2nd summer teacher academy
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor Mentor provided by LEA
Operator LEA, IHE
Who Evaluates LEA, IHE
Length 1 year
Other  
To See The Full Description of This Alternate Route Click Here!
Wisconsin
Name of Program Alternative Programs Leading to Initial Educator Licensing
Class B
Pre-Service Vary by program; must assure proficiency in state standards
Field-Based  
Courses In Education  
Content Courses  
Mentor  
Operator Not limited
Who Evaluates Program Provider
Length Varies
Other