A national shortage of qualified teachers has inspired Texas A&M University-Central Texas to innovate creative solutions for this growing problem. The result? A recently launched Alternative Teacher Certification Program intended to fast-track students onto a whole new career path.
Teachers often cite the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their students as the most important reason why they choose to enter the profession.
“Generally, most teachers go into the field because they have a love of working with children and adolescents, and are also wanting to help their students gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in life, whatever career they might choose,” says Linda Black, coordinator for the program. “Many teachers also have a passion for a certain subject areas, and they want students to realize the advantages that understanding that subject can bring.”
Designed with recent college graduates, job changers and nontraditional students in mind, the graduate-level Alternative Teacher Certification Program got underway last summer.
“We have approximately 40 students in different phases of the program right now, which is a great number for a beginning program in just one calendar year,” Black points out.
With flexible, convenient class schedules to accommodate working adults and those with family responsibilities, the Alternative Teacher Certification Program requires bachelor’s degree holders to complete four core courses across two eight-week sessions. Students then participate in two semesters of classroom teaching internships. Topics and training addressed throughout the curriculum touch on classroom management, assessment, instructional design and planning, how to work with students who have special needs, reading strategies and more.
“The important benefit for our students who already have experience in a specific subject area is the ability to gain teaching skills in a shortened time frame based on the individual student's background,” Black says.
When they complete the program, graduates are certified and ready to work in a variety of educational settings, from early childhood through high school levels. Black says candidates are often hired permanently by the districts where they’ve interned.
“Another selling point is that students have the opportunity to obtain a master of arts in teaching degree by taking just four more courses after the initial core courses,” Black adds. “This not only grows their knowledge and skills, but also increases their prospective salary base by district.” (Starting teachers in Central Texas have the potential to earn up to $56,160 in their first year.)
Scholarships are available to students who wish to enroll in in-person Alternative Teacher Certification classes at at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. The program also provides financial assistance for qualified students as well.
Black advises enrollees to hone their time-management skills as they work through the program to position themselves for success.
“Take advantage of all the support systems we offer, such as the writing center, counseling services and opportunities to observe master teachers in K-12 environments,” she urges. “And because we are a small university, students always have immediate access to program faculty for support, both in and out of the classroom.”
For more information about A&M-Central Texas’ Alternative Teacher Certification Program, call (254) 519-5438 or visit tamuct.edu/teach.
