Alternate-Route FAQs

What does “alternate-route” mean?

Alternate-route is defined as a teacher preparation program that helps license and train people who already have an undergraduate degree in something other than education. Often, people decide to become teachers after a point at which it would be practical to complete a traditional teacher training program. 

Who should consider an alternate-route program?

Alternate-route programs are perfect for current undergraduate students who are in their junior/senior year of college (and are close to earning a non-education degree), or people who have completed an undergraduate degree and have decided to change careers. Often, people have done programs like the Peace Corps, worked as tutors, and/or worked with children at after-school programs, etc., and have found that becoming a teacher is what they were called to do.

What is the format of an alternate-route program?

Alternate-route programs typically exist in two formats:

1. Through a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program (examples: The Mississippi Teacher Corps and the Online MAT program)

2. Through a non-masters program that focuses only on training and licensure (example: Teach Mississippi Institute)

How do alternate-route programs work?

Regardless of the alternate-route program format, people in alternate-route programs in Mississippi receive a three-year non-renewable Mississippi teaching license after the initial training/coursework. Program participants then teach and complete the rest of the program training/coursework in order to receive their 5-year regular, renewable Mississippi teaching license.

Steps for alternate-Route Certification in mississippi:

1. Decide the subject(s) and grade level(s) you want to teach. Programs differ in subject and grade options

2. Complete necessary testing

   • Meet the minimum passing score on all sections of the Praxis Core, score 21 or higher on the ACT/SAT equivalent, or have a 3.0 overall GPA on baccalaureate transcript (or the last 60 hours of course credit as established by the State Board of Education)

   • Praxis II subject area test(s) in the topic(s) you want to teach

   • Foundations of Reading (applicable to Elementary and Special Education)

3. Choose an alternate-route program. Many choose based upon factors such as:

   • Subject areas offered

   • Personal academic skills and professional background

   • Grade level

   • Geographical location of the program

   • Cost and time commitment

   • Internship requirements

4. Following completion of testing, enroll in an alternate route program and complete the required training or coursework. You will then be eligible for an initial alternative license and internship

   • Submit a completed licensure application to the Office of Educator Licensure, an official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree (non-education), your original Praxis scores, and proof of alternate route enrollment.

5. Secure an internship is for your first year of teaching

   • During this, mentoring will be provided, and pay will be based upon your bachelor’s degree status as a first-year teacher. The internship period will be provisional based upon successful completion of the school year.

6. After completing the internship, you can apply for a five-year standard teaching license

   • Submit a completed licensure application and proof of internship completion through the MECCA licensure system. Please review the How to Apply for a License for more information on the supporting documents required for your request.

Adapted from: https://mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/

Resources

Check out these resources to learn more about different teaching pathways. Note that options and requirements for alternative teaching routes differ by state. Always check the Department of Education website for the state you wish to teach in for the most up-to-date information.

• https://www.teachersoftomorrow.org/blog/insights/alternative-teacher-program-guide/

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/alternative-teaching-certifications-every-state

• https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/alternative/#reqs

• https://thebestschools.org/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/

• https://teach.com/careers/become-a-teacher/teaching-credential/state-requirements/

Comparison of Alternate-Route Programs