Completing an alternate route program is required for an individual who holds a bachelor's degree (non-education) and would like to transition into teaching but lacks the certification or license. Currently, there are three methods to obtain certification through the Alternate Route. The Alternate Route Teacher programs are listed below:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Teach Mississippi Institute
- American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
All three programs have the following components:
- Testing
- Training program or coursework
- One-year teaching internship
These are the steps you need to take for alternate route certification:
1. Decide what subject and age level you want to teach. This decision will help you choose which alternate route program will work for you.
2. All programs require testing:
- Minimum required passing score on all sections of the Praxis CORE, 21 or higher on the ACT/SAT equivalent, or 3.0 overall GPA on a baccalaureate transcript or last 60 hours of course credit as established by the State Board of Education
- Praxis II: Subject Area Test in the area you want to teach
- Foundations of Reading (applicable to Elementary and Special Education endorsements only)
Each program offers specific subject areas. The available subject areas are as follows:
Master of Arts in Teaching
Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science, Economics, Elementary Education, English, French, German, Health, Home Economics, Latin, Library Media, Music, Marketing, Math, Physics, Physical Education, Social Studies, Spanish, Special Education, Speech Communications
Teach Mississippi Institute
Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Chinese, Economics, English, French, German, Health, Home Economics, Latin, Library Media, Marketing, Math, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish, Speech Communications
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
Biology, Chemistry, English, Math, Physics
3. You need to choose an alternate route program. Many candidates choose a program based on these criteria:
- geographical location of the program
- subject areas offered
- cost and time commitment
- internship requirements
- grade level
- your personal academic skills and professional background
4. Once you have completed your testing, you must enroll in an alternate route program and complete the required training or coursework. You will then be ready for your initial alternate 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. The internship is your first year of teaching. Mentoring will be provided during the internship. You will be paid based on your bachelor's degree status as a first-year teacher. The internship period will be provisional based upon the successful completion of the school year.
6. Upon completing the internship, you can apply for your five-year standard teaching license. Submit a completed licensure application and proof of internship completion through the MECCA licensure system. Please review the Licensure Application Checklist for more information on the supporting documents required for your request.