Update on TEACH

The Department is beginning to maximize the potential of its TEACH computer system to expedite the certification of qualified graduates of State teacher preparation programs. Most graduates of these programs are now issued their certificates on the next business day after a completed application is filed, assuming they have satisfied testing requirements, background checks, and have been recommended by their colleges.

In the first year TEACH has been operational, the Department has issued about 30,000 Initial certificates through the college program route. This indicates a potential for the Department to issue over three-quarters of all first-level certificates—those originating via the college recommended pathway—within one day of receiving a completed application. Graduates of approved college programs will benefit in their search for employment, just as employers will gain faster access to new teachers.

As of January 1, 2007, the Department required all colleges and universities to provide their recommendations electronically via TEACH and to have their program graduates apply online. During January 2007, SED issued over 9,300 certificates—a 66 percent gain over the average of 5,600 certificates issued in January 2005 and January 2006. This dramatic increase indicates that December program graduates are receiving their certificates faster than in previous years.

The cooperation of the colleges and universities in handling transactions online is making a major difference. We look forward to an even better result for this year’s May graduates!