HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

This edition of ALTERNATIVE TEACHER CERTIFICATION: A State-by-State Analysis offers several aids to help readers locate the information they may need.

• First of all, what does “Alternative Teacher Certification” mean?

  Alternative teacher certification, alternative routes to teacher certification and alternate routes to teacher certification are used interchangably in this publication. The terms refer to alternatives to the tradtional state-approved college-based teacher education program routes for certifying teachers.

• Are all alternative routes to teacher certification the same?

  No. See Classification of Alternate Routes on page 37.

• What states have alternative routes to teacher certification? What type(s) of alternate routes do they have?

  See Tables on pages 25-36. Go to the Classification section on page 37 to find definitions of each class.

• What are the entry requirements and the program requirements for any given alternate route? How long does it take?

  Go to the Table of Contents at the beginning of this manual, see what Class of alternate route you are interested in, find specific routes by name and go to the page cited for a full description.

• What if I want only to participate in an alternate route that has been specifically designed for people who decide they want to teach after getting a non-education degree and want to begin teaching right away?

  Review the alternative routes described in Classes A and B.

• What if I want to participate in a program designed and controlled by a college or university?

  Review programs in Classes D and E.

• How can I find what colleges and universites have alternative teacher preparation programs?

  See this section at the end of each state you are interested in.

• What colleges and universities have any kind of teacher preparation program?

  See this section at the end of each state you are interested in.

• What if I want to ensure getting a Master’s degree, as well as a teaching certificate?

  Review the routes classified as “E.”

• What if I already have a teaching certificate and want to know if I can teach in another state?

  Check the states that have reciprocity with each other on page 17.

• How can I find out how many alternative teacher certificates any particular state issues?

  See Table 2 on page 26.

• How many new teachers does a state hire?

  See Table on page 32.

• How do I contact the state(s) I am interested in getting more information from?

  Review the list of state contacts on pages 19-23.

• Where can I keep abreast of everything that is going on in the field of alternative teacher certification?

  Go to the National Center for Alternative Certification Web site at www.teach-now.org.