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Alternative Teaching Certification

Alternative Teaching Certification

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by: newcomer5 Active Indicator LED Icon 2 OP 
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 10:01am  
Hi! I'd like to obtain my teaching certificate. There seem to be a lot of options out there. I am wondering if anyone reading this has experience with any of the alternative teaching certification programs? How do the schools feel about hiring people from these programs? Any information, opinions, etc are welcomed! 4951
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Annie Active Indicator LED Icon 18
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 10:07am  
Why not do it the old fashioned way and take the education classes?
 
What is your academic background? 4951
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Retired_Engineer Active Indicator LED Icon 13
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 10:14am  
Both of my kids recently went through teacher certification and are teachers now.  I don't know what "alternative" programs you've found, but Texas apparently has only one approved certification program. 4951
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newcomer5 Active Indicator LED Icon 2 OP 
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 10:22am  
The alternative certification programs are for people who already have their Bachelor's degree. There is coursework involved with each of the programs as part of the certification process, but not "for credit" type courses as you would take if you started college with the intent to teach. I was in the corporate world before having kids and I have no desire to return. I've been really involved in their schools as they grow up and I think teaching would be a good fit for my 2nd career. I'm researching the options. The Humble ISD lists several programs on their website, so I know there are legitimate programs. I just don't know if people that go this route are hired as a last resort only... 4951
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topcat Active Indicator LED Icon 12
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 11:57am  
The alternative certification programs are for people who already have their Bachelor's degree. There is coursework involved with each of the programs as part of the certification process, but not "for credit" type courses as you would take if you started college with the intent to teach. I was in the corporate world before having kids and I have no desire to return. I've been really involved in their schools as they grow up and I think teaching would be a good fit for my 2nd career. I'm researching the options. The Humble ISD lists several programs on their website, so I know there are legitimate programs. I just don't know if people that go this route are hired as a last resort only...
 
@newcomer5: Lone Star has a good program I think.
 
4951
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allymansfield Active Indicator LED Icon 11
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 12:26pm  
Schools will accept and sometimes pay for this type of certificate, but it really depends on what you want to teach and what your background is.  My husband has an engineering degree and license and the schools were bending over backwards to accommodate him when he was considering it, because it is a degree/subject that not many people have.  He was looking to teach math, science and engineering classes.  I also looked into it to teach math, logistics, and other specialties; I have college teaching experience, two BA degrees and an MS in Science.  The schools were very accommodating to me as well, even wanted me to teach while getting the certificate which they were willing to pay for. However, if you want to do kindergarten or English, good luck, those teachers are a dime a dozen, no offense; you will likely have to pay for it yourself and won't be able to teach until you get it.  Also keep in mind, a Masters degree in teaching only takes about a year to complete, plus classroom time which you can do while taking classes (and sometimes get paid for).  I think in Texas you have to sit for the PRAXIS, which is usually two days long.  It's really not that difficult of a process to do it the "right" way.  Generally the alternative certificates are reserved for "emergency needs teachers" like math, science, higher level specific courses, etc. not for general stuff like English, or Pre-K through 5th grades which they have an over abundance of teachers for. 4951
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Retired_Engineer Active Indicator LED Icon 13
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 12:47pm  
The alternative certification programs are for people who already have their Bachelor's degree. There is coursework involved with each of the programs as part of the certification process, but not "for credit" type courses as you would take if you started college with the intent to teach. I was in the corporate world before having kids and I have no desire to return. I've been really involved in their schools as they grow up and I think teaching would be a good fit for my 2nd career. I'm researching the options. The Humble ISD lists several programs on their website, so I know there are legitimate programs. I just don't know if people that go this route are hired as a last resort only...
 
@newcomer5: That's the process my kids went through.  They both got bachelors degrees but didn't decide to teach until late in their schooling.  They had to take certification classes to teach.  They did this through the local Lonestar community college.  It took about a year to get certified.Good luck!
4951
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Fallon Active Indicator LED Icon 18
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 1:00pm  
Removed By Request 4951
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CBP210 Active Indicator LED Icon 10
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 1:01pm  
I might have to check this out in twelve more years 4951
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Katiemcg Active Indicator LED Icon 4
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 1:17pm  
I think it's generally favorable for hiring, but it's not going to be a slam dunk for you if your subject area isn't in demand. 4951
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WJo Active Indicator LED Icon 13
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 1:31pm  
@newcomer5...my sister-in-law ...received her degree in Jouralism & was doing really well but when she became pregnant she wanted to slow down & not travel so much so she went to UC & asked about teaching a class in journalism ...she was given the position at UC & taught there for many years even though she did not have a teaching degree  she did have a degree in the subject she was teaching. She had classes at night so this allowed her to spend all day with her kids & my brother would baby sit at night while she had classes. Worked out great for them . 4951
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newcomer5 Active Indicator LED Icon 2 OP 
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 3:46pm  
Thank you for the responses, I appreciate it. Too bad math and science are not my forte. I'd be foolish to pursue a certificate to teach either. It does make sense that K-5 teachers are more abundant. I'd like to look into special education but it would seem that one should have more of a background in that before teaching... So many things to think about. What about the fact that I am forty-ish and obviously obtained my degree quite some time ago? Are the 22 year olds fresh out of college a better hire for the districts? 4951
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AstroKing Active Indicator LED Icon
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 4:23pm  
Alternative certification is a great way to get into teaching.  I did so ten years ago and so did my wife a few years back.  I went through San Jacinto College and she went through Lone Star.  Both have great programs.  As a teacher, let me tell you this - I have seen many, many teachers who have went through an ACP instead of having their degree in Education, and many times, they are better at teaching.  Don't listen to those who say ACP teachers aren't as good or hire-able.  I've known many principals over the years; ACP teachers are liked because often they have Bachelor's degrees in math/science subjects or other areas, or have worked in business or office environments where deadlines are important.  Your vocabulary level is clearly high and you know how to ask good questions.  If you want to be a teacher, go after it and do not worry about being an ACP teacher.  You will not have a problem finding a teaching job.  My best advice is to substitute teach while you are in the program as that will lead you to meet many different administrators, as well as allow you to find which grade level / subject that you are most desiring.  Good luck! 4951
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Pi Active Indicator LED Icon 1
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 4:28pm  
Alternative certification is a great way to get into teaching.  I did so ten years ago and so did my wife a few years back.  I went through San Jacinto College and she went through Lone Star.  Both have great programs.  As a teacher, let me tell you this - I have seen many, many teachers who have went through an ACP instead of having their degree in Education, and many times, they are better at teaching.  Don't listen to those who say ACP teachers aren't as good or hire-able.  I've known many principals over the years; ACP teachers are liked because often they have Bachelor's degrees in math/science subjects or other areas, or have worked in business or office environments where deadlines are important.  Your vocabulary level is clearly high and you know how to ask good questions.  If you want to be a teacher, go after it and do not worry about being an ACP teacher.  You will not have a problem finding a teaching job.  My best advice is to substitute teach while you are in the program as that will lead you to meet many different administrators, as well as allow you to find which grade level / subject that you are most desiring.  Good luck!
 
@AstroKing: I agree with this!  I went through an ACP program (Letourneau University) ten years ago.  I had no problem getting my first teaching job (2nd grade in HISD) and the principals I've worked with have no problem with ACP candidates.  Just make sure your program is SBEC approved.  Here's the link - secure.sbec.state.tx .us/SBECONLINE/appro vedprograms.asp?s=3
4951
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CW3902 Active Indicator LED Icon  New Member
~ 9 years ago   Aug 4, '14 8:33pm  
I would start subbing so that you can get your foot in the door and in the spring look for STAAR tutoring jobs. The campus I am on has hired several teachers this way.  I would also go through a good ACP program.  My understanding is the one through Lone Star Kingwood is very good.  I would also plan on getting certified in multiple areas to increase your odds of getting hired and these tests are $120 each.  4951
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