Re: [ISTATALK-L] FW: [ISTATALK-L] Alternative Certification

[Troy Simpson <tsimpson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I was one of the first that went through Olivet Nazarene University's Master's degree in teaching program in the mid-1990's.  I received a Master's Degree in teaching along with my El Ed certification with and emphasis in science.  My bachelor's degree was in Geology / Geography prior to that.

To be honest, those first few years, ONU was working out the kinks, so I honestly can say that in terms of preparing myself for the classroom it wasn't the best, BUT... what did help was I was able to substitute teach while working on my Master's.  I found that was most helpful in terms of learning classroom management.

That being said, I have daily drawn upon my experience from working with the State Geological Survey and my undergrad work.  I feel that I am actually better armed with more science background than many of my colleagues who earned their teaching degrees through an education program.  Also, I can more readily draw upon connections that I have made outside of the education world to enhance my student's learning experience.

Just my two sense...

-Troy J. Simpson
8th Grade Science Instructor
Glenn Raymond School

        -----Original Message-----
        From: POLLOCK GWEN [mailto:GPOLLOCK@xxxxxxxx]
        Sent: Thu 8/26/2004 9:56 AM
        To: ISTATALK-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
        Cc:
        Subject: [ISTATALK-L] FW: [ISTATALK-L] Alternative Certification



        Recently, the following note was posted on the list serve--- my
        colleague Marti Woefle who has been assigned alt cert issues offered the
        response below:
        -----Original Message-----
        From:   ISTA Members Discussion List
        [mailto:ISTATALK-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Stacy Snoble
        Sent:   Friday, August 13, 2004 2:25 PM
        To:     ISTATALK-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
        Subject:        [ISTATALK-L] Alternative Certification


        A former student of mine is considering obtaining certification to teach
        chemistry and/or biology on the secondary level through an alternative
        program offered at EIU.  I believe the program consists of passing
        subject matter tests followed by 7 weeks of courses on campus then an
        internship and evaluation.  She is interested in whether individuals
        completing this program feel well prepared and how school districts feel
        about hiring individuals who've obtained certification in this manner.
        She graduated with a BS in some area of science and has been working in
        a lab setting for the past 4 years.  I would appreciated any feedback.
        You may reply to ssnoble@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Thanks! Stacy Snoble
        Gwen Pollock, Science
        Illinois State Board of Education
        100 North First Street, C-215
        Phone:  217/557-7323
        Fax:  217/782-7937
        gpollock@xxxxxxxx


        -----Original Message-----
        From: WOELFLE MARTI
        Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 9:16 AM
        To: POLLOCK GWEN
        Subject: RE: [ISTATALK-L] Alternative Certification


        To my knowledge, a statewide evaluation has not been conducted by this
        agency of school administrators' decisions on hiring or their
        experiences with teachers who have completed an Illinois alternative
        program versus a traditional program.

        This is a decision that can be best answered by the EIU program
        administrators and the district administrators involved with the EIU
        program.

        The alternative certification programs are designed to assist
        professionals who have at least five years of experience in a content
        field related to the certification area.  A teacher candidate seeking a
        science certificate must have at least a bachelor's degree in a science
        field and pass both the Illinois Basic Skills Test and the Illinois
        Content-Area Test that covers all certification content areas in
        science, as well as extensive testing in the science designation area.
        The candidate must also complete introductory coursework in education
        and methods of teaching in the content field, and a supervised practice
        teaching before they can qualify for the provisional alternative
        teaching certificate.

        This certificate provides the candidate with the opportunity to serve as
        an intern for one year in a district. During this time, the candidate
        continues to complete additional coursework, work with a mentor, and is
        supervised by the university supervisor and school administration
        providing the internship.

        Illinois has been offering these intensive programs since 1999. Many
        districts that have chosen to be involved during the internship
        component usually seek out these highly qualified candidates so they can
        "grow their own" teachers. Some even provide additional incentives to
        stay in the district upon achieving full certification. Individuals
        completing the EIU program receive an "Initial Certificate" to teach in
        Illinois.  Unless, the institution notes on the certificate that the
        program was an "alternative" program, the certificate is the same as
        those issued to individuals completing a "traditional" program.




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