ABCTE Launches Online Resource Catalogue for Prospective Teachers

WASHINGTON, DC (October 13, 2005) — The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence today announced a new online resource catalogue giving candidates for teacher certification access to new teaching resources.  Individuals pursuing Passport to TeachingSM certification can log onto mypass.abcte.org to discover special preparation products available to help them prepare for their teaching careers.  The materials include a professional teaching knowledge practice test, DVD and online courses.

The American Board developed a Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam
CD-Rom.  The CD- Rom includes 220 practice questions, practice quizzes and timed test simulations to prepare Passport to Teaching candidates for the professional teaching knowledge exam. 

The American Board also teamed with PoliteChild, Inc., to create an online program and Classroom Management for Success, a DVD that includes a three-hour seminar, PowerPoint presentation, and additional development activities to help individuals develop effective classroom management techniques. 

In addition, the American Board partnered with ELearning Teacher to allow candidates for teacher certification to participate in an online classroom principles and assessment professional development course specifically designed for individuals pursuing Passport to Teaching certification. 

Sopris West, a company that provides professional educational services and products, is now offering discounted special education courses for candidates pursuing their Passport to Teaching certification in special education. 

Candidates can enroll in these optional courses and order preparation products using the American Board’s online certification portal, MyPass.

America needs millions of new teachers over the next 10 years, and the American Board is working hard to encourage more talented professionals to pursue teaching. The American Board’s Passport to Teaching program is a premier national certification option, considered a breakthrough solution for highly knowledgeable career changers.

Individuals with bachelor’s degrees can earn the Passport to Teaching certification by demonstrating mastery on the American Board’s rigorous subject area and professional teaching knowledge examinations. Additional college courses are not required unless the certification candidate chooses to participate in them for preparation purposes.

Passport to Teaching is recognized as a route to state certification in Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Utah. Many charter and private schools nationwide also recognize the certification, which is offered in a variety of subject areas.

The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (www.abcte.org) was created in 2001 to address the need for a highly qualified teacher in every American classroom. The American Board offers the rigorous, five-step Passport to TeachingSM certification process for knowledgeable and passionate individuals entering the teaching field. Passport to Teaching offers individualized learning plans for teaching candidates to complement the knowledge and skills they have obtained through previous work experience.

The American Board is also developing a Master TeacherSM certification to recognize current teachers who significantly advance student achievement. Master Teacher should be available in 2006.

The American Board is recognized as an approved provider of teacher certification in the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.