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School of Education and Movement Studies

Alternative Routes

soe-logoAlternative Routes
To Certification







Alternative Routes to Certification

The Alternative Routes to Certification program is a group of special pathways designed to meet the needs of individuals who possess a unique set of qualifications wanting to focus on secondary education. It also meets the need of districts that are seeking to address shortages of teachers in particular areas.

Alternative Routes are heavily, but not entirely, based in the field. Candidates for certification in these routes work with mentors in a school district and take courses designed to meet their needs through a state-approved College of Teacher Education. The nature of these courses varies depending upon the needs of the candidate and the requirements and expectations of both the district and the higher education institution.

There are four separate Alternative Routes designed for individuals who possess a unique set of qualifications. These include:

  • Route 1 - Currently employed classified instructional staff with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Associate of Arts in Science degree seeking residency teacher certification with endorsements in special education. Students enrolled in this route will complete their baccalaureate degree and requirements for residency certification in two years. Applicants must be able to document a minimum of three years of experience as a para-educator.
  • Route 2 - Currently employed classified staff with a baccalaureate degree or higher seeking residency certification in secondary shortage areas and can document a minimum of five years of career-related experience.
  • Route 3 - Individuals who are not currently employed in the district, who hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and can document a minimum of five years of career-related experience. Priority will be given to individuals who are seeking an endorsement in a subject or geographic shortage area.
  • Route 4 - Individuals teaching with conditional or emergency substitute certificates, who hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and can document a minimum of five years of career-related experience. Priority will be given to individuals who are seeking an endorsement in a subject or geographic shortage area.

Program Outline for Route 1

Pending.


Program Outline for Routes 2, 3, and 4

Summer Semester
[Friday and Saturday all day from 8:30-3:30 and a weekday practicum tutoring children in a summer school setting from mid-June to mid-August]

EDUC 424: Inquiry into Teaching I: Diverse Learners 4 semester hours
EDUC 490: Acquisition and Development of Language
 2 semester hours


Fall Semester
 [Full time internship during school hours and 6 Saturdays, 8:30-3:30 throughout the semester]

EDUC 425: Inquiry into Teaching II: Diverse Learners 4 semester hours
EDUC 495: Internship 1 semester hours
SPED 320: Issues of Child Abuse & Neglect 1 semester hours


Spring Semester
 [Continuation of full time internship during school hours. Saturday seminars may be scheduled]

EDUC 495: Internship                                              6 semester hours