ABCTE PLANS ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL IN FLORIDA

The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence Offers Online Teaching Information Session on November 17, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC (November 10, 2005) — School district personnel interested in learning about recruiting and certifying teachers in Florida 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 November 17, 2005.

The online Teaching Information Sessions provide administrators with more information about how to recruit and certify career changers as highly qualified teachers. The interactive sessions allow individuals to learn more about the American Board and the design of its Passport to Teaching^SM certification program.

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 session will be held on November 17, 2005 at 11 a.m. ET.

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.

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 millions new teachers over the next decade, 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.

The American Board also encourages school administrators and current teachers to participate in future online Teaching Information Sessions to discuss teacher shortages, certifying teachers on waivers, and certifying charter and private school teachers. Schools can also request free recruitment brochures, posters, and other materials from the American Board.