WEIGH THE PROS & CONS

Certification: Traditional vs. Alternative

Traditional Teacher Certification Program

• Provides pre-service teachers with valuable pedagogy
• Rich student teaching experience
• Connects pre-service teachers to the teaching community
• Opportunity to pair with and receive guidance through a strong veteran teacher mentor
• Opportunity to learn from experts in the field
• Offers time to observe master teachers and put new skills to use in a safe and collaborative environment.
• Most traditional programs offer opportunity for pre-service teachers to engage in the components of planning and preparation, classroom environment, and instruction

Alternative Teacher Certification Program

• Swift, intensive route to the classroom
• Little to no opportunity to practice new skills before being submerged into the classroom
• Little to no classroom experience
• Little to no training in pedagogy
• No student teaching experience