Alternative Teacher Certification: The Case for Transition to Teaching

Abstract

Alternative certification of teachers recognizes pedagogical experience beyond traditional classroom coursework as a route to teacher certification. This study examines the process and outcomes of the Transition to Teaching alternative certification program. Comparisons of instructional quality along several dimensions show that the Transition to Teaching participants were evaluated as exhibiting slightly higher than average levels of instructional quality across most dimensions compared to traditionally certified teachers. These findings provide further evidence to support the growing interest in alternative teacher certification as a way to generate highly competent teachers.