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