Get Certified to Become a Teacher
With the current teacher shortages across the United States, now is a great time to start your career as a teacher. And… online alternative teacher certification programs are one of the fastest and most affordable ways to get certified to teach!
Have you been thinking about becoming a teacher? If you already have a bachelor’s degree it is probably faster and easier than you think. Our online certification program can have you teaching in a matter of weeks. Yes, weeks. After you are enrolled in our program and have passed the required exams, you can start applying for teaching jobs. Some of the rules vary by state, but our program offers fast and affordable online teacher certification. And now is a great time to transition to a teaching career.
According to the National Education Association, the teacher shortage is real and the demand for teachers is only going to increase over the next 5 years. View the chart below to see projected supply and demand.
Alternative Teacher Certification Programs
According to the Education Commission of the States, one of the number one ways they are mitigating teacher shortages is through alternative certification programs. As we mentioned before, each state has their own list of requirements and those requirements can usually be found on their states governmental education site. Here is an example of the Texas Education Agency’s website with their alternative teacher certification requirements”
1) Decide What You Would Like to Teach
Decide the specific grade levels of students and subject areas you would like to teach. This decision determines the certificate you need, the program you need to enroll in, and the certification tests you need to take. The program you select will assist you in this process based on your degree, coursework, and interests.
2) Select an Approved Texas ACP
ACP’s offer intensive classroom-focused training. Many of these programs can be completed in one year, during which time you may be able to teach as a paid intern with supervision and mentoring. Some programs offer an unpaid clinical experience similar to student teaching in lieu of a paid internship. To obtain a list of all ACP’s in Texas, visit the TEA EPPs in Texas webpage, and click on the Alternative selection box found at the top right corner to select only those EPPs with an alternative certification program.
We recommend our online alternative teacher certification program. It is free to apply and only costs $99 to enroll!
3) Meet the Screening Criteria of the Program
Your program will advise you of the entry requirements such as basic skills, GPA, and demonstration of content knowledge. Some of these requirements are state-mandated and some may reflect the standards of the program. Want to teach in Texas?
Visit our online teacher certification process guide to help you on your way to online teacher certification!
4) Develop a Certification Plan with Your Program
Following acceptance into the program, you will meet with program staff who will advise you of the specific training courses, internship, tests, and other program requirements that you must complete.
Certification in some career and technical education areas may require previous experience and/or industry-specific licensure.
5) Obtain a Teaching Position
If your program has determined that you are eligible for a teaching internship based on your progress and completion of any appropriate tests, they will provide you with an eligibility statement for employment purposes. You must secure a teaching assignment at the grade level and in the subject area of your target certificate. Your program may provide assistance in locating a position. Once you have secured a position, you will have an experienced, certified mentor assigned to work with you and additional supervision will be provided by the program.
6) Apply for a Probationary Certificate
Once you have secured a teaching position for your internship, you must apply online for an intern or probationary certificate, valid for one calendar year to meet state certification rules for you and the school. You must create an online account, apply, pay fees, and meet the requirements for a criminal background check. Your program must recommend you online for the appropriate certificate.
7) Complete All Requirements for a Standard Certificate
You must complete all program training, internship, examinations, and all other program requirements. If you do not complete all requirements within one year, it is sometimes possible to extend the probationary certificate for up to two years. Your program will advise you of your eligibility for an extension. You may not teach more than three school years in Texas public schools on temporary credentials prior to receiving an initial standard certificate.
8) Apply for the Standard Certificate
Upon completion of all requirements, you must apply for a standard certificate online. If you qualify, your program will recommend you for the standard certificate. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to issuance of any certificate.
9) Congratulations! You Are a Certified Texas Educator
When your certificate is approved, it will be posted to the agency website. You will be notified by email when your certificate is official.
Get Certified to Teach Online
If you are passionate about impacting the world around you there are few places where you can influence the future as much as a teacher. Teachers have the ability to build students up and set them on a positive course that can have a ripple effect for future generations.
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, check out our online teacher certification program and you could be teaching in a matter of weeks.
