Are you interested in pursuing a preservice teaching program that will prepare you for the teaching certification process? If so, here is an overview of the few types of preservice certifications that are available for prospective teachers.
PreService Teacher Certification Programs
The preservice teacher certification track is most formally associated with teacher education programs offered by accredited universities and colleges. Teacher training in these programs is defined as preparation for professional practice, usually through formal courses at colleges or universities.
Meeting the requirements of teaching certification programs, to a large extent, involves formal instruction on the theories, coaching and mentoring on teaching practice, and evaluation of one's teaching. Successful completion usually results in some kind of recognized accreditation, granting successful candidates a teaching certificate.
Usually preservice teachers need to complete a certain number of general education courses (depending on their teaching field) and demonstrate successful teaching competency. Mentorship is an important part of the teacher training development, as the mentor offers more opportunities to grow as the teacher advances in applying his/her theoretical knowledge into practice.
Alternative Teacher Certification Programs
The requirements of some alternative teacher certification programs are different than college education programs. Alternative teacher certification programs are also considered as pre-service teacher programs because they often offer a more condensed version of a college year-long program. They also meet teacher certification requirements.
Usually the criteria for being accepted to these programs varies from state to state and is primarily intended for those who already hold a BA and other initial requirements. In some cases, candidates must also have acquired a teaching contract with a local school as shown by the University of Texas alternative certification program.
Online Teacher Certification Program
An online teacher certificate program is slowly becoming recognized as an alternative form of teacher certification and more and more prospective teachers are choosing this route simply because of its cost and time factors. Texas is one state that offers a unique online format for becoming a certified teacher. The requirements for online teacher certification vary from state to state and from program to program.
In order to complete full certification however, prospective teachers may also need to demonstrate a satisfactory score on a state-approved certification assessment, usually known as the National Teacher Exam.
Preservice teacher certification is a vastly complex procedure for any prospective teacher new to the certification process. The process can be made simpler by conducting thorough research both online and connecting with other teachers who have undergone the process.
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