Teacher preparation is undergoing a significant transformation, offering new pathways for aspiring educators to enter the profession. As the education sector faces challenges such as teacher shortages and the need for more diverse and prepared educators, innovative solutions are emerging to address these issues. One of the most promising developments is the rise of apprenticeship programs and alternative certification pathways, which provide practical, hands-on experience and mentorship to future teachers.

In our Getting Smart Town Hall “Apprenticeships for Tech and Teaching,” we highlighted the growing momentum behind apprenticeship programs as a viable route to teaching. These programs allow aspiring educators to earn while they learn, gaining valuable classroom experience under the guidance of seasoned mentors. This approach not only helps address the skills gap but also fills the experience gap that many new teachers face.

In addition to apprenticeships, “Educator Pathways” in our New Pathways Handbook emphasizes the need for innovative and flexible routes into the teaching profession, particularly in light of challenges highlighted by the pandemic, cost of living, and evolving educational technologies. Traditional teacher pipelines are proving inadequate, necessitating programs that adapt to new responsibilities and leverage technology. Initiatives like The New Teacher Project (TNTP) and the Center for Black Educator Development focus on culturally relevant practices and equitable working conditions to attract and retain diverse teaching talent. These efforts collectively aim to build a respected and diverse teaching workforce equipped to meet the needs of modern education

With the rise of alternative certification programs like those offered by iteach, a diverse array of individuals are finding their way into classrooms, bringing with them unique backgrounds and experiences that enrich the learning environment. iteach supports aspiring teachers through every step of their journey by offering a blend of coursework, field experience, and mentorship, which helps candidates develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the classroom. This program is particularly beneficial for those looking to make a career change or those who need a more flexible certification process due to other commitments.

A New Pathway: iteach

Here are inspiring stories of educators who have chosen innovative pathways to enter the teaching profession, showcasing the transformative impact of alternative certification programs. What unites these remarkable educators? They all received online alternative teaching certification through iteach, proving that traditional pathways are not the only route to becoming an outstanding and award-winning educator. Each of them has a bachelor’s degree, real-life field experience, and aspirations to lead in their respective fields. These commonalities emphasize the value of diverse experiences and the importance of alternative certification programs in shaping the future of education.

Brianna McCook’s Journey: From Preschool to Special Education

Brianna McCook holds two bachelor’s degrees and has always been driven by a desire to help those without a voice. Her passion for education was ignited while working with preschoolers. This experience led her to pursue a teaching credential as a special education teacher. She shared “I found the iteach program to be really helpful, especially since other programs required three years of work experience which I didn’t have at the time. iteach provided a pathway for me to pursue my passion for teaching without traditional qualifications, and I’ve been grateful for the opportunity it has given me. The iteach program allowed me to start teaching after completing the instructional coursework in just a few months, which was a great advantage for me. iteach has been accommodating and supportive, helping me navigate the journey of becoming a teacher despite not having the typical background in education.” Brianna is now in her residency training at W.W. Robinson Elementary School in Woodstock, Virginia, where she is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of her students.

Susan Lebeck: From Corporate Training to Rookie Teacher of the Year

Susan Lebeck, a special education teacher at Wallen ISD in Texas, exemplifies the potential of alternative certification pathways. Starting as a paraprofessional, Susan transitioned into teaching, earning her certification and recently being named Rookie Teacher of the Year in December 2023. She shared “I definitely wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things that I do without the information and training I received from iteach. It has been invaluable in helping me navigate through this program and excel in my teaching career. Winning Rookie Teacher of the Year validated everything that I’ve been doing. It was nice to receive recognition for my hard work and dedication to teaching. It motivated me to continue making a positive impact on my students’ lives.” With a bachelor’s degree in business and a background in corporate training, Susan’s journey showcases how skills from other industries can translate into educational success.

Storm Ridgeway: A Community Advocate and Educator

At Delhi Charter School in Louisiana, Storm Ridgeway is not only a high school history teacher but also a coach for football and baseball. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, Storm’s commitment to his community is unwavering. He shared “I found out about iteach in 2012 when I graduated college with a history degree but was not certified in Louisiana. iteach offered a pathway to certification that was straightforward and practical, unlike traditional master’s programs. iteach allowed me to get certified in middle school education, which was crucial for me as nobody else was offering certification for grades five through eight at that time. This unique offering was a game-changer for me. I recommended iteach to others because it gets to the point, prepares you for the challenges of being a first-year teacher, and provides psychological insights into education. iteach has been instrumental in my career and has helped me transition to the next step in the profession.” Storm is now entering a master’s program to become an administrator, aiming to further impact the educational landscape. His story highlights the importance of community involvement and continuous professional growth.

Morgan Greenburg: From Edtech to the English Classroom

Morgan Greenburg’s career pivot from working in edtech companies to becoming an English teacher at Del Valley High School in Texas is a testament to the flexibility and efficiency of iteach’s certification process. Regarding her journey, she shared “iteach prepared me so much—having that human connection with somebody from iteach has made the experience feel more connected and streamlined.” Hired in January, Morgan found the transition swift and rewarding, making it one of the best career choices she has ever made. Her experience underscores how alternative certification can open doors quickly and effectively.

Megan Hall: Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Excellence

Megan Hall, a high school science teacher and department head at Arlington Preparatory Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was named Teacher of the Year in her first year. Despite facing disabilities and juggling various unfulfilling jobs, Megan’s perseverance led her to find her true calling in teaching. Regarding her journey, Megan shared “I was struggling with changing careers and becoming a teacher, but thanks to iteach, I was able to fast-track my certification process and get hired within a month and a half. iteach provided me with a mentor who helped me improve my teaching methods and classroom management, which was crucial for my success in my first year of teaching. The support from iteach and my on-site mentor helped me navigate challenging situations, such as handling difficult student behaviors and making effective lesson plans. I appreciated iteach’s program structure, which allowed me to complete the coursework at my own pace while balancing teaching multiple science subjects. I credit iteach for helping me achieve success in my teaching career, culminating in being named Teacher of the Year for my district in my first full year of teaching.” Her story is an inspiring example of resilience and dedication to education.

Kayla Qualis: Balancing Family and Ambitions

Kayla Qualis, now teaching at an elementary school in the Clark County School District in Nevada, exemplifies how life’s detours can lead to fulfilling careers. With a bachelor’s degree in education, Kayla took time off to be a stay-at-home mom of four. She shared “I did not want to do student teaching. There’s no way with 4 kids that I could do student teaching for free. So to avoid student teaching, I did the iteach program, which allows me to be in the classroom, to teach and get paid. I’m thankful for it.” She has since returned to teaching and aspires to earn a master’s degree, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue professional growth.

Christina Day: From Criminal Justice to Educator of the Year

Christina Day, named Clark County School District’s New Educator of the Year, transitioned from a background in criminal justice to teaching 3rd grade. Her experience working with youth and as a substitute teacher in Las Vegas paved the way for her current success. Christina’s journey highlights the diverse professional backgrounds that can contribute to excellence in education.

Conclusion

The stories of Brianna, Susan, Storm, Morgan, Megan, Kayla, and Christina illustrate the transformative power of alternative certification pathways. Programs like iteach are not just creating teachers; they are cultivating leaders, innovators, and advocates who are making a profound impact on the educational landscape.

As the education field continues to evolve, these innovative pathways are crucial for building a robust and adaptable teaching workforce. They not only address the immediate need for qualified teachers but also pave the way for a more diverse and skilled educator population, ultimately enhancing the quality of education for students nationwide.

Whether you’re considering a career change or looking to advance in your current role, alternative certification can provide the flexibility and support needed to achieve your goals.