Class 5 (Alternative) Teaching Certificate (redefined as an Alternate Route)

HISTORY

Enacted 1975, Amended 1976,1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1995, 2002.

MOTIVATION

May be issued to applicants who have major preparation toward regular certification, but have minor discrepancies such as lack of recent credits or program deficiencies. Initiated to provide additional avenue for certification for the non-traditional applicant.

SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

Elementary and Secondary Teaching Areas.

WHO OPERATES

Office of Public Instruction, Certification Services.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

Approval usually depends on the written recommendation of the appropriate higher education official(s) with whom the applicant has outlined a plan of professional intent which commits the applicant to a program leading to regular certification. The plan of professional intent may initiate with the licensure office and the applicant contacts to the university to begin the educator preparation program.

Provisional elementary level: Elementary level endorsement is granted to an applicant who submits acceptable evidence of a partially completed elementary education program, and that the following minimum requirements have been met:

Bachelor's degree.

Minimum of 90 quarter (60 semester) credits of academic preparation in acceptable balance in language arts and literature, history, government and related social science, mathematics, and any two of the following: art, music, foreign languages, speech, dramatics, library science or health.

Professional preparation to include human growth and development, the teaching of reading or language arts, social science and arithmetic, and student teaching or appropriate intern experiences.

Provisional secondary level: Secondary level endorsement is granted to an applicant who submits acceptable evidence of a partially completed secondary education program, and that the following minimum requirements have been met:

Bachelor's degree.

Major preparation of at least 45 quarter (30 semester) credits in an area commonly offered in high school programs in Montana and approved by the Board of Public Education for endorsement; 8 quarter (6 semester) credits in a planned program of professional teacher education, and admission to the secondary teacher education program of an accredited college or university.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The individual must make yearly progress toward completing deficiencies for full certification.

NO. OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Depends on the college program the individual plans to complete

WHO EVALUATES

The state certification office evaluates for initial certification; the college must verify completion of program before further certification is available.

LENGTH OF TIME

Three years, not renewable.