The Alternate Route to Teacher Certification: Meeting the Challenges Students Face

Abstract

This study will introduce readers to the Alternate Rqute to Teacher Certification in Washington State, also known as the "fast track. " Participants are able to attain teacher certification through a special curricular program design within six to twelve months. It commences with a summer academy in July and with the participants as student teachers in the classroom with a Mentor Teacher and College Supervisor by September. The student stories will focus on successes, while including information on the development of the program from the perspective of Saint Martins College, Lacey, Washington. The program's purpose is to meet teacher staffing requirements in secondary schools Jot school districts in high needs areas, including Special Education, English Language Learning, Japanese, Math, several areas of Science, and Music.