Seeking Teacher Alternative Certification Program

Hi Tameko,
I am in a simular situation. I graduated from UTD with a teaching degree but because I cannot afford to put my children in daycare while I student taught, I was also looking into alt cert. They have a program with the UTD teaching department, and I also looked into various other programs and here is the advice I have for you. The biggest problem you will face no matter which you choose, is finding a school who is willing to hire you. I have the qualifications for elem generalist and even a semester teaching third grade and could find no one to hire me. So unless you have someone who is willing to hire you, you wont have any luck no matter what program you go with. However, if you are qualified to teach in a high needs area, you should be able to find a position. My best friend immediatly got a position with alt cert because she was qualified as a high school reading specialist. Dallas ISD I applied for and did so too late to be accepted, so I can't tell you if the program is good. But they do guarentee a job which was the selling point for me. I have also heard really good things about region 10, so that may be a good place to start. I wish you lots of luck!

Hello Tameko,
I am currently enrolled in the teacher certification program at the University of Texas at Dallas(UTD). It is in Richardson. The program is very reputable and wonderful. Give it a shot I have a few friends that have been through it and are now teachers.

My cousin is pretty happy with http://www.act-dallas.com/
you should check them out.

Look in to either Texas A&M Commerce(Mesquite campus too) or LeTourneau University (Dallas campus), both have good alternative certification programs. When I wasn't staying home with my daughter I was a first grade teacher and have met several folks who have done both programs and have had good things to say. Also, the support you would receive from either of these programs beats Region 10 by leaps and bounds--you will learn a lot more and feel more secure in taking on a class as a result. Also, my husband did the alt. cert. at A&M Commerce at the Mesquite campus and had a great experience. By the time he was done with the certification requirements he was only a few classes from a Master's degree as well. I don't know the cost of the LeTourneau program, but the A&M program is very reasonable. I hope this information helps & good luck!
~M.

Hi Tameko,

I am currently going throught the Region 10 program and am very happy with it. I have seem to have found a ton of teachers that have gone through it as well. I would stronly recommend this program because it is very fast-paced(which means you can finish quickly) and I think very reasonable. Feel free to email with any specific questions! ____@____.com