TITLE

Transitional Route to Regular Teacher Certification

HISTORY

Implemented in 2003.

MOTIVATION

1. Shortage in some teaching areas.
2. Mid-life career changers with a BA/ BS degree in a teaching area needing access to the profession.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

Shortage areas: mathematics, science, and others to be announced.

WHO OPERATES

SEA, IHE, LEA -- collaboratively.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

•  Hold a baccalaureate degree with 75% of the content required by Rule 24 for the required endorsement.

•  Complete 3 professional education on-line modules (18 hours).

•  Submit transcripts and other application materials to the Neb raska St atewide Assessment Center .

•  Develop a Transitional Plan that leads to regular certification within 6 years of initial application.

•  Complete at least 6 hours each academic year to be eligible for Transitional Certificate renewal.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

According to the state

"An alternative route to regular certification is expected to be implemented in Spring 2003. It will provide for the person who holds a degree in specified areas to begin teaching with none of the pedagogical hours of teacher education having been completed. This provides access to teaching much earlier than the older 'provisional' certificate, which required half or more of the pedagogy to be completed. The new plan, however, does not excuse the applicant from eventually completing the teacher education program in its entirety. It also requires substantial participation and up-front commitment from an employer and a teacher education institution. It is not available in elementary education, nor in some other areas. It attempts to address areas of critical and continuous shortage. The Department of Education hopes to have printed informational tracts and instructions for making an application available in early 2003.

NO. OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Various.

WHO EVALUATES

IHE.

LENGTH OF TIME

Five years -- one year each; renewable.