Program Overview
Introduction to the Alternative Teacher Certification Program
The Alternative Teacher Certification program at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is designed to provide future teachers with a holistic understanding of teaching pedagogy, strategy, and practice. This program offers teacher certification in various content areas, including Art, English Language Arts & Reading, Foreign Languages, History, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physical Science, Science Composite, and Social Studies Composite.
Program Outcomes
Upon completing the program, students can expect to:
- Earn the certification necessary to teach in Texas
- Achieve a near 100% pass-rate on the required exams, with a 100% program-to-hire rate
- Build the skillset and confidence necessary to lead and manage a classroom
- Expand their network to the award-winning Rice teacher community
- Successfully start a rewarding career that will inspire and challenge them every day
Content Areas
The Alternative Teacher Certification program offers teacher certification in the following content areas:
- Art (Early Childhood - Grade 12)
- English Language Arts & Reading (Grades 7-12)
- Foreign Languages (French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish) (EC-12)
- History (Grades 7-12)
- Life Science (Grades 7-12)
- Mathematics (Grades 7-12)
- Physical Education (EC-12)
- Physical Science (Grades 6-12)
- Science Composite (Grades 7-12)
- Social Studies Composite (Grades 7-12)
Plan of Study
The program is designed to provide future teachers with a comprehensive understanding of teaching pedagogy, strategy, and practice over three sessions:
Session Details
- Session One (Spring/Summer): Professional education coursework, field experience, and TExES exam preparation
- Session Two (Fall): Professional education coursework and first-year teacher internship
- Session Three (Spring): Professional education coursework, continuation of first-year teacher internship, and edTPA portfolio preparation
Professional Education Classes
The program includes a series of professional education coursework to establish the foundations needed to be an effective practicing educator. Some of the courses include:
- Teaching Diverse Learners
- Assessment
- Race, Class, Gender in Education
- Instructional Practice
- Curriculum Development
- Seminar for First-Year Teachers
- Theory and Methods of Instruction
Course Spotlight
Each course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the classroom. For example:
- Teaching Diverse Learners: Pedagogies for learners with different ways of seeing the world, different experiences, and different learning needs
- Assessment: Using formative and summative assessment to drive instructional decisions
- Race, Class, Gender in Education: Examining the complex ways in which race, ethnicity, gender, and class intersect and influence the educational experience of students in American schools
Calendar of Progression
The program follows a calendar of progression from application to standard teacher certification, generating questions, developing learning strategies, and fostering similar development in students.
Conclusion
The Alternative Teacher Certification program at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is a comprehensive program designed to provide future teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the classroom. With its holistic approach to teaching pedagogy, strategy, and practice, this program is an excellent choice for those looking to start a rewarding career in education.