Alternative certification programs started in the mid-1980s to respond to the teacher shortage.

Participants identified five primary areas of concern. Participants commonly felt that they were not adequately prepared to teach the subject for which they were seeking licensure. Participants did not feel that they understood how to teach low-income students of color, who were commonly the students they encountered in their first teaching jobs. Clinical experiences typically involved teaching in a summer school setting. Participants found it difficult to find teaching experiences that were subject-appropriate and mentors who were willing and able to guide them. Statewide programs had the most trouble securing timely jobs for participants due to their lack of partnerships with local school districts. Participants were particularly disappointed about this, as they often viewed the prospect of a secured job as an incentive of their chosen program. Many participants felt they did not receive strong follow-up support on the job, from their fellow teachers and principal.

One-third of current state alternative routes to teacher certification have been created since 2000. More than half of them have been established in the last 15 years.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education Minimum grade point average - 2.5 in six semester hours of professional education coursework Passing score on basic state skills test or equivalent Other - Has completed a major (30 S.H.) in the subject area to be taught, OR evidence of extensive work experience directly related to the area to be taught;

Must successfully complete the Praxis II

What we're trying to say is that being a teacher is a wonderful responsibility, not just an avenue for getting two weeks off at Christmas so you can jet off to the Bahamas. You won't be able to afford it on a teacher's salary anyway.

But wait… there's more. You'll have to do a lot more than make lesson plans when you get into the classroom. Along with the pure teaching of classes, teachers at all levels must also:Grade testsHold conferences with parentsAttend school meetingsFor extra pay, teachers often lead extracurricular activities (such as the school play or the Senior Yearbook)

urban

rarely realize exactly what they are getting themselves into

demanding and a stressful occupation

180-190 days a year, but teachers work at night, on weekends, on holidays. During the summer, teachers evaluate the previous school year and prepare for the forthcoming year, developing materials and curriculum

Meanwhile, both the percentage and number of American college graduates obtaining education degrees has dropped considerably over the last 35 years and Arizona's three public universities are not projected to produce enough teaching candidates to fill the increasing state need

Arizona's students deserve quality public schools with knowledgeable, well-prepared teacher

Research shows that teacher quality is the single most important school-related variable affecting student achievement.

bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education; 30 semester (45 quarter) hours in the world language to be taught with a 2.5 GPA or higher consisting of coursework well distributed across the subject area,

Successful completion

(IPTI)