Q. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Is there a way?
Yes. The Alternative Certification for Teachers Program provides a way for selected college graduates to become teachers without graduating from a traditional teacher education program. This route to certification is considered an “alternative” route because it accomplishes certification outside the traditional university program setting. Mid-career candidates and others may have significant teaching and workplace experience and may benefit from a program that presents teaching methodologies to an “intern” while she/he is actually employed as a teacher and practicing these methodologies in the classroom.
Q. What are the major components of the program?
After acceptance into the program, candidates take initial coursework and training in such areas as educational foundations, teaching strategies, classroom management, and technology. Pre-service training prepares Academy interns for beginning their teaching responsibilities. Prior to and/or during this training, interns apply to districts for teaching positions at full pay and benefits. During internship, they have their own classrooms and are teachers of record. A mentor teacher, school administrator, and ACT staff provide support for the intern. Training continues throughout the internship. Candidates for certification are evaluated using the local and statewide teacher appraisal systems. They must pass all state requirements for Texas certification including passing state examinations. After satisfactory completion of the internship and meeting all other program requirements, the ACT Program recommends the intern for certification by the State Board for Educator Certification, SBEC.
Q. How are courses assessed in alternative teacher certification program?
Eighty percent mastery of all ACT training and individual courses is required. Mastery will be determined by the following competencies:
Q. How do I become certified in Texas ?
Briefly, the steps are as follows:
For additional information on teaching in Texas , visit the State Board for Educator Certification at www.sbec.state.tx.us
Q. When and where are your classes held?
All classes are Friday evenings and all day Saturday at Brookhaven College’s main campus located at 3939 Valley View Lane in Dallas Texas. Specific dates and course descriptions are given to students during orientation.
Q. Does Brookhaven College ACT program guarantee a teaching position for its interns?
While we receive information on job openings in districts throughout the metroplex and make that information available to our interns, it is the interns’ responsibility to secure their own teaching positions.
Q .How will I know when my application has been received:
Applicant will be notified of receipt of application by e-mail.
Q. Will my certificate differ from that received by a graduate from a Texas College or university teacher education program?
No. Certificates received through the ACT Program are identical to certificates received through a traditional university teacher preparation program. The certificate enables recipients to teach in the certificate area anywhere in Texas , and reciprocity is available in some other states.
Q. Will the program require much of a time commitment?
Yes. The Brookhaven College ACT Program is an intense accelerated route to teacher certification. Full attendance is required for all ACT training. In addition to fulfillment of all teaching responsibilities during a full academic school year, interns must complete all coursework continue, complete classroom observations of master teachers; prepare for and take state required certification examinations; as well as complete necessary documentation. The program is designed for highly committed candidates who are serious about entering the teaching profession.
Q. What is No Child Left Behind?
Federal “No Child Left Behind” Legislation, NCLB, requires districts to employ teachers who are considered “highly qualified.” Teachers must have 24 semester hours of university coursework in their content area and have passed the content TExES exam. (These new requirements mean prospective teachers need to apply early, and if accepted, begin training and pass their examinations well in advance of anticipated employment).
Q. If my degree is from a university outside the U.S.A., what do I have to do?
Foreign transcripts are required to be translated and evaluated prior to admission to the Brookhaven College ACT Program. The following is the only approved agency on this matter. Please contact them directly:
International Academic Credential Evaluators
P. O. Box 2465
Denton, Texas 76202
Phone: 940-383-7498
www.iacei.net