TITLEAn Alternative Certification Program HISTORYApproved October 26, 1989. MOTIVATIONTo provide entry into the teaching profession by individuals who have not completed a traditional teacher education program and to certificate special assignment teachers. WHO OPERATESIndividuals who meet certain qualifications may acquire a Missouri certificate of license to teach by completing a state-approved alternative teacher certification program at an institution of higher education in Missouri . These programs are designed for non-traditional students seeking certification in certain areas of critical need. Individuals should contact any of the following institutions for specific information regarding alternative certification in Missouri . REQUIREMENTS TO ENTERPresent evidence of employment by a school district in the State of Missouri contingent upon certification prior to acceptance into the Missouri Alternative Certification Program. The candidate shall undergo a background check conducted by the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which includes submitting to DESE two (2) full sets of fingerprints on forms provided by the board and completed by any law enforcement agency. The candidate is responsible for the payment of any fees required by the Missouri Highway Patrol and/or FBI; A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the area of the proposed certificate with a cumulative grade point average no lower than the Missouri requirement for teacher certification (2.5) and a grade point average no lower than 2.5 in the major (teaching) area. Participate in a structured interview selected by the teacher education institution. This interview would assess the candidate's beliefs regarding the nature of teaching, the nature of students and the goals and mission of education as a profession. The interview should be utilized for screening purposes, diagnostic and advising purposes. Enter into a four-party contract with a higher education institution which has a teacher education program approved by the State Board of Education, with the local school district, and with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This contract (an Alternative Teaching Contract) will permit the candidate to enroll in coursework which will require demonstrated understanding of the following: 1. Adolescent Development. 2. The Psychology of Learning. 3. Teaching Methodology in the Content Area. This coursework must be completed prior to provisional certification and employment. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONUpon successful completion of the coursework outlined above and upon recommendation of the higher education institution, candidates will receive a two-year provisional certificate. The candidate will: 1. Be assigned a mentor by the school district. 2. Receive follow-up assistance from the higher education institution. 3. Participate in the employing district's professional development program. 4. Successfully participate in the district's Performance Based Teacher Evaluation (PBTE). 5. Continue professional growth to include thirty (30) clock-hours of in-service training as defined in criteria established by the board. Candidates shall complete at least 8 semester hours of professional education coursework no later than the summer following the awarding of the provisional certificate. Prior to the expiration of the provisional certificate of license to teach, the candidate must successfully complete the exit assessment designated by the board. The exit assessment and the provisions outlined in the previous subsection must be completed prior to being granted a Professional Classification I (PC I) certificate of license to teach. Institutions will be responsible for the recommendation of candidates who complete innovative or alternative certification programs for professional certification in the same manner as those completing conventional programs according to the rules promulgated by the board. NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETEDetermined by IHE. WHO EVALUATESIHE. LENGTH OF TIMETwo years OTHERIndividuals who meet certain qualifications may acquire a Missouri certificate of license to teach by completing a state-approved alternative teacher certification program at an institution of higher education in Missouri . These programs are designed for non-traditional students seeking certification in certain areas of critical need. Individuals should contact any of the following institutions for specific information regarding alternative certification in Missouri. See complete list of approved programs at: http://dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/teached/altcertprog.htm
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