Become a Teacher >> Browse Articles >> Certification
16 States with Great Alternative Routes to Teaching
TheApple
Becoming a teacher is a tricky process, made even more complicated by the fact that every state in the U.S. has different qualifications. TheApple researched and found 16 states that offer easier routes to teaching with various alternative programs. These states are ideal for prospective teachers who have completed a non-teaching degree or are choosing teaching as a second career. Becoming a certified teacher isn’t a simple process in any state, but these programs do allow for expedited ways to get a full-time teaching career. Want to know which 16 states made our list? Read and find out!
Vanes63
about 4 hours ago
2 comments
One alternative program not mentioned here is called Project Pipeline and it helps those seeking alternative certification in certain parts of California. I will be started this program at the end of this week and as far as I can tell it's pretty nifty.
You still have to pass state exams, have a bachelors degree and do just about everything teachers for traditional routes (TB test, fingerprinting) but you don't have to go back for a 2nd bachelors.
ronfurg
9 days ago
6 comments
I take exception to the comment by pwebbmartin. A quick review of the average salaries for Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, and Mississippi will show only a small difference with Mississippi actually being above the national average. One must also take into consideration other positive factors for those states such as quality of life, cost of living, etc., which may make them far more attractive than an evaluation based solely on salary.
pwebbmartin
about 1 month ago
2 comments
This would be a GREAT article and resource if the states and school systems were matched with their salaries. Sadly, Louisana, Kentucky, Indiana, Missippissi are the lowest paying states for all employment positions.
tanderson
about 1 month ago
2 comments
Massachusetts is similar. You need a Bachelor's degree in something from somewhere and
you must pass two tests, a literacy test and a test in the field in which you intend to teach. Also,
after five years of teaching, you must get a Master's degree in something or you are OUT.
Tim Anderson
hotteacher1976
about 1 month ago
372 comments
Anyone notice that these programs are in states with school systems in need of serious re-working?
susanwachs
about 1 month ago
6 comments
Broward County, Florida also has two programs for those who want to transition into teaching. They are the STAR and Promise programs. These programs can be completed in about a year, and information about the progams can be obtained on the instructional staffing website.
rdeming
about 1 month ago
2 comments
I feel that this allows those with the capabilities to teach to do so. this is great for those that are in tune with children.