Using the identity lens as a theoretical framework, we studied 42 novice second career chemistry teachers, who had previously worked as chemists and participated in an alternative certification program (ACP) at a science and engineering research university. Our goal was to understand the transition process of these teachers into the teaching…

Examines two studies on alternative certification programs and the findings from a survey of emergency-certified teachers that reveals vast differences in emergency teacher preparation. It shows that emergency certification programs provide substandard training and experience to teachers that can diminish student academic achievement. (GLR)

Many states, including Texas, use alternative certification programs to address projected teacher shortages and recruit highly qualified individuals into the teaching profession. Texas's State Board for Educator Certification has developed a framework of assumptions to facilitate the design of a system to ensure that all educators are recruited,…

Discusses the growing trend for military retirees to become teachers. Such retirees (particularly officers) possess education, training, and experience that translate well into the classroom. Training is available to prepare them for teaching, and federal legislation is being considered to facilitate military second careers in education. (SM)

Teacher candidates with mature life experiences offer the strongest potential for connecting with at-risk students, and alternative certification can bring them into the classroom. This paper discusses the following: how mature teachers provide needed supports to at-risk students, who comprises this group of teachers, and how mature teachers can…

Describes teacher certification in private schools, noting tension between private schools and state regulations. The article examines experiences with and reactions to state standards by Vermont and Michigan private schools. It discusses alternative teacher certification, alternative student assessment, and teacher professionalism as means of…

Identifies questions related to the processes and consequences of alternative teacher certification (AC), answers questions with research-based facts, proposes key elements of a model AC program, and draws conclusions about the directions AC may take and its probable effects on educational reform and on the professionalization of teaching. (SM)

All 15 Southern Regional Education Board states have alternative teacher certification programs (many limited to critical needs). The article examines similarities and differences in state policies, who is entering teaching through the programs, how effective the programs are in preparing teachers, and what the program strengths and weaknesses…

This report documents a consultation held by BellSouth Foundation that examined new routes to the teaching profession, and the changing and emerging philanthropic role in stimulating potential teachers to embark upon nontraditional paths to the profession. Participants included state education officials, foundation officers, public school teachers…

This report suggests how West Virginians might improve public policy in ways that positively affect all classrooms in the state and describes an approach to improve teacher education. Ten areas of responsibility are discussed: (1) upgrading teacher education programs to make the academic area of study more rigorous and effective; (2) streamlining…

Reviews many aspects of contemporary preservice-teacher-education programs in the U.S., describing the following: the evolution of programs in education; teacher-preparation programs (curriculum, conceptual orientations, program structure, and providers); teacher credentialing and licensure; and current issues in teacher education (education as a…