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Alternative Teacher Certification Program

Frequently Asked Questions
       

  1. What are Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATC) programs?

    2. Alternative teacher certification programs are teacher education programs offered by colleges and universities (IHE's) in partnership with local school districts.  The purpose of these programs is to prepare teachers for rapid entry into teaching in shortage areas.  The IHEs must have programs registered for this purpose.

  2. How did ATC programs come into existence?

    3. On July 14, 2000, the Board of Regents approved regulations permitting alternative teacher certification programs.  The purpose of the regulation was to attract highly competent people who hold at least a bachelor's degree (with a major in the subject to be taught or the liberal arts and sciences) into teaching to address the statewide teacher shortage.

  3. How is an Alternative program different from a traditional teacher education program?

    4. In a traditional teacher education program, a candidate completes all the necessary study leading to the first teaching certificate prior to commencing employment in a school district. The program could lead to a baccalaureate or a master's degree, or a certificate of program completion. The college would ensure that all the required preparation has been completed prior to a candidate being recommended for a teaching certificate and being employed as a teacher.

    The Alternative Teacher Certification Program is designed for candidates who already have a strong academic background in the area they wish to teach. The candidate would complete a 200 clock hour introductory component (including 40 clock hours of field experiences) and pass two New York State Teacher Certification examinations, to qualify for a Transitional B teaching certificate.  The candidate will then be employed in a partnering school as a beginning teacher.   The candidate will receive mentoring support and college supervision and will take additional college courses while teaching.

  4. Is the ATC program designed to make it easier to become a teacher?

    5. No, it will not be easier, it will just be different.  Since all candidates in both traditional and alternative programs must ultimately meet the same standards for teacher preparation, it would be inaccurate to term one approach easier than the other.

  5. Does the State Education Department offer these Alternative Education Programs?

    6. The State Education Department itself is not providing an alternative teacher certification program.  Only colleges and universities are authorized to offer these programs in partnership with school districts.

  6. Will all colleges and school districts participate in this program?

    7. No. We anticipate that school districts that are experiencing teacher shortages would be very interested in partnering with colleges that serve their communities.  If school districts are presently not experiencing teacher shortages, there may be little incentive for them to participate in this program.

  7. Which colleges are participating in the program?

    8. Click here for a listing

  8. How does a college become eligible to offer an Alternative Teacher Certification program?

    9. IHEs who are interested in offering ATC programs must submit an application for Program Registration including pages 78-85 for Alternative Teacher Certification Programs.

    Click here for the complete application  and supplemental materials.

    Note: IHE's not currently offering programs in teacher education may need to meet additional requirements.  (see appliction supplement)

  9. What qualifications do I need in order to enroll in an Alternative Teacher Certification Program?

    10. You must meet all admission requirements established by the college for matriculating in its program.  Minimum requirements, established in Commissioner's Regulations are: 

    • completion of a baccalaureate degree program witha major in the area of the subject you wish to teach (for secondary subjects) or one of the liberal arts and sciences (for elementary related teaching);
       
    • at least 30 semester hours in the certification area that may include up to 12 semester hours in cognates (related subjects);
       
    • a 3.0 grade point average or a positive recommendation from the college offering the ATC program stating that the candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the program; and
       
    • prior to commencing teaching, the candidate must pass the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) and the Content Specialty Test (CST) in the subject area in which he/she plans to teach.  If the CST is not available in the certificate area, the candidate may take and pass the CST in any area.

  10. How do I apply for such a program?

    11. Alternative Teacher Certification Programs are offered by colleges and universities who have had programs reviewed and registered by the State Education Department, Office of College and University Evaluation, for this purpose.  Application must be made through the IHE offering the program.  

    Click here for a list of colleges offering the program

  11. When will I begin to earn a salary if I am enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program?

    12. After completing the 200 clock hour introductory component and passing the  certification tests, candidates will qualify for Transitional B certificates and be placed in teaching positions in school districts. When a candidate is employed as a teacher with a Transitional B Certificate, he/she will receive a salary as determined by the employing school district.

  12. How long will it take me to complete an ATC program?

    13. This will depend in part on your educational background and experience when entering the program.  Colleges may offer alternative teacher certification programs that require up to three years to complete. A one-year extension may be provided for the candidate to achieve a bilingual extension.  Most ATC programs are intended to be completed in two years, although this may vary from college to college.  Candidates may be required to make up liberal arts and sciences deficiencies to prepare to teach to the New York State learning standards.

  13. What is a Transitional B certificate?

    14. A Transitional B certificate is the teaching certificate obtained by a candidate enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program.  It qualifies an individual to teach in the public schools of New York State,  after completing the introductory component of the registered program and passing the LAST and CST.  It is valid for up to three years, as long as the candidate is enrolled in an ATC program and is teaching in a partner school.

  14. Is a Transitional B certificate valid for teaching any subject or grade?

    15. No.  Based on the candidate's qualifications and education program, the certificate is issued for a specific subject/grade.  For example, if you are issued a Transitional B certificate to teach math in grades 7-12, you may not teach in elementary school.

  15. Can I get a Transitional B certificate without entering a college's teacher education program?

    16. You must be enrolled in a teacher education program registered as an Alternative Teacher Certification Program, as well as complete the introductory component and pass the LAST and the CST to qualify for a Transitional B certificate.  It will then be valid to teach for up to three years in a school that has partnered with a college's ATC program. 

  16. How long is a Transitional B certificate valid?

    17. A Transitional B certificate is valid for three years with the possibility of a one year extension, when also preparing for a bilingual extension

  17. Where can I teach with a Transitional B certificate and do I always have to teach for the school district in which I started?

    18. You may  teach with a Transitional B certificate only in the school district that is partnering with the IHE offering the Alternative Teacher Certification program.  Once you have completed the Alternative Teacher Certification program, you can  be recommended by your college for a provisional/Initial or permanent/professional certificate, which can be used throughout New York State.

  18. Do I always have to teach for the same subject I started in?

    19. You can only teach the subject for which you have a valid certificate.  It is possible to take courses and qualify for additional certificates.

        
       

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Rev. 5/03