The purpose of the current study was to investigate urban school principals' preferences for the types of teacher preparation programs completed, to understand their perceptions regarding factors that impact the selection of teacher candidates, and to determine if these preferences have changed over time. Data were collected using an online…

In this component mixed methods study, we analyzed two STEM teacher candidates' constructivist practices during their alternative route to licensure summer teacher education program. The findings suggest that the STEM teacher candidates incorporated all six components of constructivism in their instruction, although each candidate focused on…

Over the last two decades, thousands of U.S. military veterans have entered teaching as a second career. This study documents the first year of teaching as experienced by two teachers recently retired from the U.S. military, including the challenges they faced, the professional support they received, their growth and development, and the rewards…

The Teacher Leader Model Standards (TLMS) were created to stimulate discussion around the leadership responsibilities teachers assume in schools. This study used the TLMS to gauge the self-reported leadership responsibilities of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). The NBCTs reported engaging in all domains of the TLMS, most frequently with…

This qualitative research study traces the motivations for teaching of 13 teacher candidates enrolled in an urban-based alternative certification program. After using a push-pull factor analysis, the data suggest that most participants left their previous careers due to financial shortcomings or work instability. As a result, these participants…

The continuing shortage of special education teachers, combined with increased ideological critiques of teacher education programs, has spurred the growth of alternative models of teacher preparation. Only recently have professional standards for alternative models been proposed. This paper summarizes two years of a program based on professional…

Alternative teacher certification interns in special education (n=92) completed the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and results were used to develop a personality profile of types useful for the development of teacher training. Use of the MBTI also exposed interns to understanding the personality types of the children they will be teaching.…

Alternative teacher certification evolved in many states as a response to projected teacher shortages, especially among minority teachers. Despite scant research on effectiveness, many are taking these alternative routes to teaching. (SK)

Four conditions for creating or refining alternative teacher certification programs are improving instruction, addressing shortages of qualified teachers, placing teachers in hard-to-staff schools, and measuring teacher competence. Programs should be pragmatic, market sensitive, embedded in the learning context, and performance driven. (SK)

Reviews past attempts to restructure U.S. education, effects of competency-based education, and the role of teacher certification. Considers the impact of federal legislation concerning certification. (SK)

The Texas alternative certification program combines school district-provided training with some college coursework, emphasizing work with at-risk students and internship under a mentor. Many midcareer professionals and minorities have chose this route. (SK)

The Houston Independent School District's Alternative Certification Program has four essential components: screening, training, supervision, and support. Research findings show that it is at least as effective as traditional teacher education. (SK)

Teacher licensing, accreditation, and advanced certification must be fully developed, strengthened, and supported as in other professions. Some alternative approaches are less rigorous shortcuts that do not ensure effectiveness. (SK)

Reviews ideological debates over teacher education, the possible effects of professionalization, and chief criticisms of teacher education programs: incoherent curriculum, generic preparation, out-of-touch faculty, ideological influences, and institutional ineffectiveness. Outlines specific recommendations for teacher educators, school…

Concerns about the state of teacher education programs include (1) lack of preparation for teaching students with special needs or whose native language is not English; (2) movement toward general rather than specialized certification; and (3) stop-gap alternative certification. A more integrated approach for regular and special education is…