TITLE

Alternative Preparation to Teacher Licensure Program

HISTORY

The 1990 Legislature authorized the Board of Teaching to establish this program. Implementation is stalled due to budget cuts.

MOTIVATION
  1. To augment the current high quality teacher corps with individuals whose backgrounds would be especially relevant in today's classrooms, but who might not otherwise seek the preparation needed to be licensed; especially individuals of color.
  2. Foster closer relationships between school districts and colleges with teacher preparation programs.

According to the state, "Although Minnesota does not have a shortage of licensed teachers, data on issuance of 'provisional' and 'limited' permits indicate relatively few candidates for certain areas (e.g., special education and bilingual-ESL [English as a second language] positions."

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

Grades 1-6.

WHO OPERATES

The Minnesota Board of Teaching approves all alternative preparation programs. A school district, group of schools, or an educational district must be affiliated with a postsecondary institution to offer an alternative preparation program.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM

To participate in the program, a candidate must

be hired by a school district;

have a bachelor's degree;

pass Pre-Professional Skills Tests in reading, writing, and mathematics;

have experience in a field related to the subject to be taught; and document successful experiences working with children.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Approved programs have these characteristics

Staff development conducted by a Resident Mentorship Team made up of administrators, teachers, and postsecondary faculty members.

An instruction phase involving intensive preparation of a candidate for licensure before the candidate assumes responsibility for a classroom.

Formal instruction and peer coaching during the school year.

Assessment, supervision, and evaluation of a candidate to determine the candidate's specific needs and to ensure satisfactory completion of the program.

A research-based and results-oriented approach, focused on skills teachers need to be effective.

Assurance of integration of education theory and classroom practices.

The shared design and delivery of staff development.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

No credit. Programs may not be driven by credit hours. Upon successful completion, a candidate will have the requirements for a Minnesota initial teaching license.

WHO EVALUATES

The Resident Mentorship Team (classroom teacher, administrator, higher education faculty) must prepare for the Board of Teaching an evaluation report on the candidate's performance.

LENGTH OF TIME

Program is one year in duration (June - June).

OTHER

Only one site is offering an alternative preparation licensing program in Minnesota. Since the start of the program in 1991, approximately 163 candidates have completed.

Fellowship awards of up to $5,000 are available to candidates of color, with funds paid over two-year periods.

Several other alternative programs are anticipated in the next few years.