Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in North Dakota
It is difficult to gauge the state of alternative certification in North Dakota as there is a dearth of statistics available on how, or if, such programs are used. The National Center for Alternative Certification has no available data on the number of persons who have earned alternative route certificates in the state.
Currently North Dakota has one approved alternative path into the classroom – the North Dakota Transition to Teaching program. This one-year program is available to candidates who have non-teaching bachelor’s degrees in teacher shortage areas for which no regularly licensed teacher can be found. Candidates must first obtain an offer of employment from a school district along with an emergency licensure from the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board or a provisional credential from the Department of Career and Technical Education. They then complete an approved teacher preparation program while working full-time.
The good news for alternative route candidates is that North Dakota has teacher shortages in a wide variety of content areas. In a report for the US Department of Education, North Dakota reported shortages of qualified secondary teachers in more than 20 content areas for the 2011-2012 school year.
Top Online Schools for Teachers In North Dakota
There is a need for more education professionals in the state
of North Dakota. Those who are looking to get teaching credentials
in an alternative manner can avail themselves of information
from a number of sources.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota has an online degree curriculum
with a masters level focus with regards to education. In addition,
there is an opportunity for students to participate in research
projects in conjunction with their work if it applies.
Grand Canyon University Online
The online programs at Grand Canyon University are plentiful
where education is concerned. For those taking a further look
at the school, they may find interest in how the university
works with incoming students with regards to tuition costs to
be more affordable.
