WASHINGTON, DC (October 6, 2005) — Individuals interested in changing careers and becoming teachers in Idaho are invited to participate in free online Teaching Information Sessions, now offered by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (www.abcte.org) on October 12 & 13, 2005.
The sessions will feature a short presentation about Passport to Teaching as well as a live question and answer session with American Board staff members. The first session will be held October 12, 2005 at 7 PM (MST) and the second will be held October 13, 2005 at 6 PM (MST).
The American Board will provide potential teachers with detailed information about teaching and certification in Idaho during these innovative, multimedia sessions. Individuals can register to participate or receive more information by calling 1-877-NOW-ABCTE
(1-877-669-2228) – or online at www.abcte.org/events.
The online Teaching Information Sessions provide individuals with more information about how to become a teacher. The interactive sessions allow individuals to learn more about the American Board and the design of its Passport to Teaching certification program.
The American Board also encourages school administrators and current teachers to participate in future online Information Sessions to discuss teacher shortages, certifying teachers on waivers, and certifying charter and private school teachers. Schools can also request recruitment brochures, posters, and other materials from the American Board.
Teachers who utilize Passport to Teaching to earn their certification are recognized as highly qualified according to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
America needs 2.4 million new teachers over the next ten 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. For more information, or to request a free Introduction Kit, visit www.abcte.org or call 1-877- NOW-ABCTE.
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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.