Understanding the Alternative Licensing Program and Your Future

If you are considering a career in teaching, you've probably heard of something called "Alternative Licensing Program." It sounds technical, confusing, and kind of threatening. It's kind of like using the phrase "dihydrogen monoxide" to refer to plain water. Calling it "dihydrogen monoxide" might lead you to think that water is scary, harmful, and altogether undesirable.

So, what is the alternative licensing program, and what does it mean for your future? To put it simply, the alternative licensing program is a way of becoming a teacher without going through the traditional route. The alternative licensing program is also called alternative licensure or alternative teaching certification. We will unpack the three-word phrase—alternative licensing program—in the following paragraphs, so you can understand exactly what "alternative licensing program" means.

"Alternative"
The word "alternative" simply means that the program is another—a different—way of becoming a teacher. Just as you may want to take an alternate route to Grandma's house, so the alternative licensing program is simply an alternate route to becoming certified as a teacher. Before the mid-1980s, there was one way to become a teacher. That way was pretty simple—get a degree in education. Not anymore. Alternative licensure means that you can major in an alternate degree program and still become a teacher.

"Licensing"
The traditional route to licensing is to major in education at an accredited institution, enter into a student teaching role to gain experience, and then pass a test to be granted licensure. The goal of the alternative program is to provide licensure to individuals who want to become teachers. Obviously, in order to become a certified teacher, licensure is a prerequisite. If gaining a license is only possible through the four-year education degree, what would that mean for working adults who wanted to transition into an education career, or for students who selected a non-education major, but wanted to enter the field of education? With alternative licensing program, potential teachers can now gain licensure without the previous challenges.

"Program"
Any alternative forms of licensing must be regulated to a degree. A license, after all, is a form of being certified, recognized, and approved. The programs for alternative licensing vary from state to state. Nearly all states share several features in an alternative licensing program. First, the candidate must receive a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Second, the candidate must also gain real-life teaching experience in a classroom setting before receiving his or her license. Finally, the candidate should take a test and receive a passing grade in order to become officially licensed.

The alternative licensure program is good news for those who wish to become educators, yet who did not have the advantage of an education degree. "Alternative licensing program" may sound a bit intimidating, but the process is actually very helpful in equipping teachers to become involved in a rewarding vocation.

About the Author

Johney Maron is a part time author with an interest in education. Colorado Christian University offers an Alternative Licensure program for those with a bachelor's degree, a teaching position, and need a teaching license in either early childhood, elementary, secondary or special education. Check out CCU for information on their degree programs and how they can help you further your education.

Author (Johney Maron33). Submitted on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 Time: 9:56 PM

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