TITLE

Michigan's Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification (MARTC)

HISTORY

In May 1993, the State Board of Education approved "A Model Process and Standards for Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification" (MARTC).

MOTIVATION

MARTC is designed to address local/regional teacher shortages (1) in specific grade levels, (2) in subjects or geographic settings, (3) and to promote diversity of culture and gender by expanding the pool of minority and underrepresented teacher candidates. It will allow Michigan citizens who have been professionally active in specialized areas and who are interested in teaching to come into the teaching profession in non-traditional ways.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

All grade levels, Pre K-12, and all teacher certification endorsement areas where there is a critical need , identified by: an LEA or consortium of LEAs and verified by the appropriate teacher bargaining organization(s) to assure that there is no existing pool of appropriately certified teachers; an approved teacher preparation institution or consortium of such IHEs; and the Michigan Department of Education; as approved by the State Board of Education.

WHO OPERATES

Collaborative: SEA, IHEs, LEAs, teachers' unions.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM

The MARTC program is a system through which an individual -- who: (a) possesses a bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited IHE, and (b) has a major or a graduate degree in the field of specialization in which he or she will teach -- may become certified to teach to address local/regional teacher shortages (1) in specific grade levels, (2) in subject areas or geographic settings, and (3) in order to expand the pool of minority and underrepresented teacher candidates to promote diversity of culture and gender.

For grades 6-12, the candidate must have a major or graduate degree in the field of specialization in which he or she wishes to teach.

For grades Pre K-5, he or she must have a major in the liberal arts, the humanities, the social sciences, the mathematical and natural sciences, the arts, or sciences, and in addition to such major, a minor of at least 20 semester hours in another field deemed appropriate for elementary education.

The individual must:

Have an awareness that Michigan's constitution and laws guarantee the right to equal educational opportunity without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or handicap.

Have an overall 2.5 grade point average and a 2.5 grade point in the major and/or minor or graduate program on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.

Pass both the basic skills examination and the comprehensive elementary examination for elementary candidates, or the appropriate subject area examinations for secondary candidates, offered through the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program.

Pass a criminal history check.

Be employed by a qualified LEA, with a letter of acknowledgment issued by the State Department of Education.

Except in the case of persons engaged to teach a foreign language, have not less than two years of occupational experience within the last five years in the field of specialization in which he or she will teach.

For elementary, have documented relevant work experience (voluntary or paid), or experience with children of elementary school age.

Participate in a structured interview used for screening or diagnostic purposes.

Meet all cost obligations related to participation in the MARTC program.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The individual will become certified by successfully completing required coursework and supervised practical experience offered under conditions which vary from the traditional state approved teacher preparation program.

Alternative routes may also be used to enable currently certified teachers to acquire additional endorsements in areas of critical needs.

Those with no Pre K-12 teaching experience must successfully complete appropriate initial pedagogy coursework prior to classroom placement.

Those certified candidates seeking an additional certificate or endorsement, and who do not possess a teachable major or minor, must successfully complete appropriate subject area coursework prior to classroom placement.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Not specified.

WHO EVALUATES

LEA and IHE.

LENGTH OF TIME

Six months to two years.