Alternative Teaching Certification

A friend of mine was planning to start her teacher certification with, I believe, Region 4, which is the educational region in the Houston area. She did quite a bit of research and found that it was the most credible program in the area, offering the most support and mentoring to its prospective teachers. I have a friend in San Antonio who was certified through Texas Teachers and really struggled to find a job. She was a Science teacher, too, so I found it strange that she should have so much trouble, although she was limiting herself to a only a couple of districts. My other friend, however, spoke to her daughter's principal, who said she would never hire someone who had been certified through Texas Teachers b/c they don't offer their students enough support. This was last school year so I don't know if anything has changed since then. I guess basically everything you asked about depends on the program you choose. Try to go with the best program you can find. Good luck!

I finished the program through Region 4 in May. It was a great program and I took and passed my state exam. The problem is actually finding a teaching job right now. I went to the job fair they offered that had about 30 school districts accepting applications. I was so overwhelmed by the number of people trying to get hired. I have a feeling that due to economic conditions, a lot of people have gone back through this type of program. I don't mean to discourage you, just wanted to let you know what my experience has been so far. I definitely think it is a great way to go. I did everything online through Region 4, which was great since I work full time and have 2 small children. I am hoping maybe to find something mid-year. Good luck to you!

I went through Region 4 ACP 5 years ago and found a job right away, but I think it depends on your specialty. Certain certifications are more in demand than others. My sister-in law and her friend went through it, and both have moved to different schools/districts with no issue. I have a friend who went through just before I did, and she is dept. chair now at her school.
I never had any negative experiences with other teachers because of my cert. I don't even think they were aware of my certification credentials. Good Luck!

I have heard that ACTHouston.com is the best place to get certifications. I am also interested in doing this soon. Would love to hear what others have to say.

I am currently in A+Texas Teachers.com and I love the program but the only negative is there's no preparation for the state exam. Alot of students with Texas Teachers do good through the progam but then get stuck at the state exam. They don't offer any study groups or any assistance passing the test. If you are discipline enough to study for the test alone, this is the greatest program in Texas.

I am in the Alternative Teaching Certification program and I really learned alot. I am grateful for that experience. Unfortunely I am still looking for a teaching job. It is a tough market out there. I am certified for Generalist EC-4, I would probably have more luck with middle or high school, but I have to teach in this area for 1 year. So I wish you much success. I would say that to be sure to take advantage of the technology that is out there and be sure to mention it when interviewing. The schools love it when you mention technology and the different resources that it can provide.
By the way I finished my certification in April 08. At some of the job fairs that I have attended I have spoken to others that are still searching as well.

Good Luck!!

I went through ACT Houston and it was great. I had a lot of support and I did not wait a long time to get hired. There were also study groups for the exams and I have passed each one on my first try. I would say weigh your options, pick the best one for you, and go for it.

I have never experienced anyone acting differently b/c I went through the ACT program. Don't give up and best wishes with everything!!!!

OK...where to start?!?!! I just got my certification through the ACP program. Job fairs are a waste of time for you and very disheartening. There are so many qualified teachers there that you are at the bottom of the totem pole.
Make sure to get ESL certified. I can not stress that enough. Most school districts in Texas now want you to be ESL certified and won't even consider you if you are not. They always tell you NOT to contact principals at schools, DO IT THROUGH EMAIL! Send resumes, cover letters, scan in test scores and anything else that pertains to your teaching certificate. They have the option to open it or they can choose to delete it without bothering them as well. You will have to work harder at getting a job, but I did it! Yes there is a stigma with the ACP program, but break the mold. Do not let that hinder you. Send out MANY emails!!! If you have a professional portfolio include that too. I had a degree in Healthcare Administration and went back to school in 2007, started teaching in 2008 and am VERY happy with where I landed. This can be done with initiative and hard work. Let me know if you need any other help....I'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have!

M.

I think the job market is just tough right now.

I went through Houston ISD's ACP program in 2005 and was hired right away by one of HISD's top elementary schools. After teaching for four years (and with two small children), I wanted to work closer to home. I thought my job search would be "easy," (because, after all, who wouldn't want to hire a teacher from 'XYZ' school) but it was nothing close to being easy. I submitted about 30 resumes (for POSTED positions) and a few unsolicited resumes, but I got ZERO calls. My original principal (who'd left my school last year and became principal of another great school) hired me at her new school, which is much closer to my house. Whew! I'd gone all of June and July with no prospects, and then this position opened in early August, and she hired me. If not for my experience working with her, I might not have gotten any calls at all!

As for ACP: I chose HISD's ACP program because I knew I wanted to work for HISD, and I'd heard from a reliable source that HISD preferred their own ACP interns, so maybe that's a thought...decide what district you want to work for and look into their ACP program, if they offer one.

I grew to have a great professional relationship with my ACP supervisor, and she gave me lots of inside advice...years AFTER the fact. She said that oftentimes, ACP interns are actually viewed very favorably because we bring LIFE experiences to the classroom setting. We have families, other career experience, etc.

Hope this helps. Good luck!