Certification, Alternate Routes to

Alternate routes to teacher certification are optional methods for obtaining teacher certification. Traditionally the prospective teacher had to complete a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher training program, as well as supervised student teaching, before applying for standard certification, and pursuing employment. By law, individuals cannot teach in public schools without certification. Therefore, shortages in the supply of teachers led to the demand for rapid certification methods. Alternate routes to certification enable candidates who lack standard certification to enter teaching fields without having to go back to college and major in education.

In some states, a provisional certificate may be issued to a teacher with a bachelor’s degree in the subject area of interest, authorizing employment on the condition that standard certification requirements will be completed within a set period. In some states, an emergencycertificate may be issued. This is a substandard,...