There is no denying that there is still a national teacher shortage, and that it doesn?t show signs of improving anytime soon. What may sound like bad news for schools, however, has turned into good news for those who are considering getting into the teaching profession. In order to help address the crisis, 48 states as well as Washington DC have implemented alternative teaching certification programs designed to produce qualified teachers through programs other than the traditional college and university curriculum. Depending on the discipline, many of these programs are accelerated, fast track curriculum that enable participants to keep their current jobs as they train, or, in some cases, to do at least some of the learning on the job.
Bachelor?s degrees are still a requirement of course, so the main difference between these programs and the traditional route is that an additional course of study specifically in teaching or a Masters Degree are often no longer required. Teachers must still demonstrate mastery, pass the necessary tests, and prove through the interview process that they are qualified to teach. There are several programs that are field-based, so real life experience in the prospect?s chosen discipline may sometimes be used in lieu of class work. In almost all accelerated programs where new students move directly into the classroom as they are studying, they are paired with mentors and/or other support systems.
The advantages to these programs are many. Candidates save on the expense and time it takes to acquire a Masters Degree, and can undertake their studies at times that enable them to work as they learn. In addition, because of the extreme shortage in some areas, grants and other forms of financial aid may be available. This has proven to be a great way for older career-changers, minorities, and other experienced workers to get into the field of teaching more easily, and has boosted the ranks of qualified applicants tremendously.
These programs benefit schools and teachers alike by providing jobs and the talent to fill them. Disciplines that have been especially in need and thus well served by alternative teaching routes are math, the sciences, and English as a Second Language, or ESL. In the former two examples, there have been a significant number of candidates moving from labs to the classroom, and this real-life experience has proven beneficial to all. The demands for ESL teachers will continue to be strong as populations of non-English speakers are forecast to continue growing.
The alternative route to getting a certification is ever changing as the states continually change their requirements and programs trying to find which works the best. Because requirements for teaching are state regulated, anyone interested in pursuing an alternative teaching certification should check out the available programs in his or her state, or the location of interest.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Copyrights Reserved.
Author Stephen Daniels highly recommends National Teacher Education Center for those seeking the best jobs in the education arena. They offer alternative teacher certification and degrees via alternative education programs, so students can continue to work in their chosen fields as they study simultaneously for their higher degrees.
alcatraz basketball drop dead diva air chick fil a chick fil a holiday inn express
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.