The Alternative Certification program is designed to provide the local school districts with qualified teachers and interested candidates with a flexible, supportive route to teacher certification.  The program provides candidates with an opportunity to pursue initial teacher certification while working as a full time teacher on a temporary provisional certificate.

Employment is not required for initial acceptance to this 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 mid-point 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 7-12 PLT PRAXIS exam

Degree Assessment:  Satisfactory dispositions assessment; all program course work with 3.0 cumulative GPA; Satisfactory Alternative Certification degree portfolio.  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.