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
