The Alternative Certification program is designed to assist local school districts in meeting the demand for qualified teachers in high need content areas.  The program provides candidates with an opportunity to pursue initial teacher certification while working as a full time teacher on a temporary provisional license.

Employment is not required for initial acceptance to the program.  However, candidates must be employed in a Kentucky-accredited school by the start of the school year in order to continue in the program.  This program is a two year, 30 credit hour program resulting in initial teacher certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.  The Alternative Certification program certifies teachers in middle and secondary education.

Initial Assessment:  Admission to Teacher Education. Minimum GPA 2.75, GRE 800 (V+Q), three letters of recommendation, professional statement, bachelor’s degree, C or higher in English 102 and oral communication.  Completion of prerequisite courses (https://louisville.edu/education/ssa/admissions/itc-admissions-page/itc-graduate/middle-and-secondary-education-application/education-prerequisite-course-requirements.html) with 2.50 GPA or higher. Passing scores on the appropriate content PRAXIS II test(s).

Mid-Point Assessment:  Completion of all courses listed above. Satisfactory dispositions assessment. 2.5 cumulative GPA. All content coursework completed with a 2.5 cumulative GPA. 2.0 or higher in student teaching. Satisfactory certification teacher performance assessment (TPA). Positive recommendation from Middle/Secondary Program Committee.

Certification Assessment:  Satisfactory dispositions assessment. All program course work with 2.5 cumulative GPA. Satisfactory certification teacher performance assessment (TPA). Passing score on 5-9 PLT PRAXIS exam.

Degree Assessment:  Satisfactory dispositions assessment. All program course work with 3.0 cumulative GPA (and no more than a total of two “C’s” in degree courses). Satisfactory Alternative Certification degree teacher performance assessment (TPA).

Degree Candidacy:  If not enrolled during the semester in which you are graduating, you will need to register for a degree candidacy as outlined in the graduate catalog, http://louisville.edu/graduatecatalog/academic-policies-and-requirements/, under the section called acadmeic policies and requirements.