An Alternative Certification Program: Career Transition

Abstract

Abstract Alternative certification programs hold promise for increasing the supply of qualified teachers in our schools. The Military Career Transition Program (MCTP) at Old Dominion University is an innovative teacher education program which certifies persons leaving the military and seeking a second career in teaching. The program provides counseling and advising for career transition as well as placement and follow-up seminars to assist with career induction. The MCTP has prepared approximately 250 people to begin teaching as a second career. As of July 1994, 172 of approximately 250 graduates had secured teaching positions in twenty-four states. This number is expected to increase as employment for the 1994–1995 school year begins. The MCTP has grown from the original 40 participants to over 800 students pursuing coursework leading to teacher certification and graduate degrees in elementary, secondary, special, and technical education.