Teacher Wanted. No Experience Necessary

In schools all over the US, midcareer converts with business knowledge and impressive credentials are revitalizing mathematics and science teaching. In the past 5 years, approximately 26 states have passed "alternative certification" laws, which streamline the restrictive requirements. About 10% of all new teachers hired in 1988 had alternative certification, and the number is increasing steadily. New Jersey was among the first to experiment, and its program has served as the model for many states. The New Jersey program's one-year schedule puts potential teachers into the classroom right away with full pay, while they receive 200 hours of instruction in teaching and child psychology. To qualify for provisional teaching status, applicants must first pass the National Teacher Exam and hold bachelor's degrees in the fields they wish to instruct. In 1988, 29% of new teachers came through the program. Concern about the educational level of future workers has caused many companies to pay for these midcareer switches to math or science teaching.