The Alternative Route To Earning Your Qualifications

Only children tend to know for sure what they want to become when they grow up. Can you remember when you were asked about what you want to be in the future? What did you say? A doctor? Soldier? Pilot? We are sure you were confident in your answer. The problem is that when we grow up, we are not sure about what career we wish to take up. This explains why some people do certain subjects and end up in different fields. Are you in such a situation? Are you just realizing you are not fit in your current field? You are not alone.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • A brief overview of various alternations of getting qualifications
  • Teacher preparation program
  • The transitional alternative programs
  • National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification
  • Emergency and Provisional Teaching Certificates
  • Concluding remarks

Some people realize they made wrong career choices after graduating. The good news is that it’s never late to change your career path. Even better, you do not need to go back to school for another degree. In this article, you will find another way to become a teacher without an education degree.

The alternative route to earning your qualifications

You can qualify to be a teacher even without a degree in education. This route was introduced to address the issue of teacher shortages across the country. Many states use this route to absorb talents with no backgrounds in education. So, if you find that you are passionate about teaching do not let it go. You do not have to stick to the boring career journey. Follow your passion.

First, what is the traditional way of becoming a teacher? You start by obtaining an undergraduate degree in education. Then, you complete an accredited program in teacher preparation. Eventually, you are given a teaching license. Some states will require passing certain exams to get the license.

Then, there are other routes to qualify as a licensed teacher. Let us look at some of these routes.

The alternative teacher preparation program

This involves the preparation of postgraduate teachers. You will need to attend a formal program in teacher preparation. These can take even a year to complete. But, there is a difference between this and the traditional program. In the traditional program, candidates complete it as part of their undergraduate degree. On the other hand, for the alternative option, candidates complete it after graduating. This involves four steps.

  • Firstly, you apply for an alternative teacher preparation program. Under this program, you complete the coursework.
  • Secondly, you apply for a provisional certificate to complete the practice.
  • Thirdly, you have to pass the exams.
  • Fourthly, you apply for a teaching license.

Transitional alternative certification programs

These are different from university based programs. First, you learn coursework through a program. You will not go through a formal university route. Second, teaching experience begins as early as semester 1. These are different from one state to the other. It is important to understand the current requirements for the one in your state.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification

This offers another route to become a teacher. Several states use certification from this organization as a route to teacher licensing. Earning this certificate involves five steps.

  • Firstly, you need a degree in a teachable subject.
  • Secondly, you need teaching experience of at least three years in a setting that does not need certification.
  • Thirdly, you must pass the certification exam.
  • Fourthly, you must pass teacher certification exams offered by your state.
  • Fifthly, apply for the certificate.

Emergency and Provisional Teaching Certificates

This is another route to gaining your qualifications. Such programs are available in areas with a great shortage of teachers. You can get this certificate by showing skills in a content area. You will be allowed to teach even without a certificate. To earn this certificate, you need;

  • Firstly, complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Secondly, secure a teaching offer in a school with teacher shortages.
  • Thirdly, the school district has to send a request for an emergency teaching certificate.
  • Fourthly, you have to pass any offered educator test.
  • Fifthly, you get your certificate and start teaching.
  • Sixthly, in some states, you will do the State exam and your certificate will be upgraded to a regular certificate. This means you get a full educator’s licensure.

Key Takeaway

If you are passionate about teaching yet you are in a different field, you do not have to worry. There is an alternative route to earning your qualifications. The first route is getting a master’s degree in education. The second and most preferred route is entering an alternative certification program. Such are readily available. You just need to choose the most fitting one. With this, your teaching area will be the subject in which you majored in. This route will get you into the teaching career within a shorter time.  Reading this article is the first step towards changing your career. We wish you all the best in your future endeavor.

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