alternative route cert programs (long) By josephineg

Here in New Jersey, we have a shortage of teachers, especially good math and science teachers. Fortunately, we have a number of good alternate route certification programs. The one I'm in allows subject matter experts to

teach provisionally prior to getting their permanent license. But before they begin this provisional teaching, they are required to: 1. pass the Praxis II exam in their area; 2. submit proof of sufficient college credits completed in their area; 3. apply for and receive a Certificate of Eligibility to teach in their area; 4. complete 5 graduate education credits during the summer including

the teaching of a lesson to a class of students, grad credit course taught by current/retired local school superintendent; 5. complete 20 hours of teaching observation during the summer. Most of my classmates already worked as subs or permanent subs or with students in some capacity for several years before enrolling. There are additional requirements during the provisional year.

One advantage of the program I'm in is that the summer pre-service component is comprehensive in terms of methods, "classroom management", and transferrable skills. About 3/4 of the pre-service phase teachers continued the program and taught in the fall. If you were not recommended, or if you weren't able to interview successfully and find a teaching position, you did not get to be in the academic year in-service phase, which includes a mentor and weekly grad ed class from September to June. Having already taught K through adult classes in various capacities, I felt prepared for teaching full-time, although I think that no program can prepare you for everything. I don't really know how to explain the fact that there are unemployed teachers with licenses looking for teaching jobs. I do think that some teachers get more out of their graduate education courses than others. Some teachers seem to be a more natural fit with certain age groups and subjects than others, and with teaching in general. There's also supply and demand involved.

I don't think that someone needs to go back and get a second masters degree or undergraduate degree in education in order to teach; however, I did find the summer education courses useful. There is some variability of alternate route programs within and between states, I agree. I don't think that, considering the program I'm in, that there is a lack of quality, and I certainly wouldn't call it a "shortcut". In fact, I'm continually amazed at the number of hoops we jump through in order to get licensed. No wonder we have a shortage of teachers here. True, colleges may want our money. Yet, I think that for most who enroll, alternate route programs can be a complete and successful route to becoming a full-fledged professional teacher.

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