Researchers at the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) did a nice job assessing alternative certification programs in this recent report.
They concluded,
Alternative certification programs attract individuals who are committed to teaching and whose non-teaching experiences are valuable in the classroom. Because alternatively certified teachers are just as effective as traditionally certified teachers and are necessary to compensate for the high turnover rate of teachers, alternative certification programs ought to be expanded and embraced by states and school districts.
North Carolina’s lateral entry program is the closest our state comes to an alternative certification program.
There are alternative certification programs that are actual alternatives. For example, North Carolina would be wise to adopt the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence program, a rigorous program with a stellar track record.
