State Spotlight: Teach in North Dakota
Teach in North Dakota: Embracing Faster Options
Like many states, North Dakota takes the quality of its educators seriously, ensuring they meet high standards through either the traditional or alternative certification processes. Notably, however, as the need for teachers increases, state are considering additional ways to get qualified teachers in the classroom. For example, new options are expanding the pool of candidates earning their certification and licensure to teach in North Dakota.
Traditional vs. Alternative Certification
Traditionally, teachers complete a load of required classes and coursework at accredited education programs. This traditional route is also known as the university route and it leads to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. These future teachers complete student teaching experiences, followed by state examinations to prove their competency. Only after these time consuming and costly steps do they earn their teaching licenses.
However, recognizing the diverse skills and experiences individuals can bring to the classroom, North Dakota has embraced alternative certification routes. Beginning in 2019, North Dakota’s available alternative programs cater to those who haven’t followed the conventional pathway but possess the potential and passion for teaching.
Expanding the Alternative Options
Recently, alternative certification in North Dakota has been expanded to welcome even more new teachers. Two big changes include an increase in the allowed subjects, and allowing for part-time teaching in the first year.
Teacher candidates may now test into licensure endorsement areas after completing their Clinical Experience in a subject other than their American Board certification subject. This is important because it increases the pool of qualified teachers able to quickly enter the classroom. Perhaps you want to teach business? You can now use American Board’s program to certify in math or the subject of your choice, and then complete your Clinical Experience in business. Previously, it was required that Clinical Experience be in the same subject as your certification.
Additionally, Clinical Experience previously required that a candidate teach full time during their first year in the classroom. Now, American Board and North Dakota’s Education Standards and Practices Board (NDESPB) will allow part-time teachers to participate in and gain credit for Clinical Experience.
Regarding both new changes, American Board is working closely with NDESPB. We’re making sure that new teachers are well prepared for the classroom and meeting all state requirements, quickly and affordably.
Learn More
To learn more about American Board’s online teacher certification program in North Dakota, visit www.americanboard.org/north-dakota. You may also find it helpful to read mroe blog posts about the steps to teach North Dakota, available here and here. Lastly, you can read more about the experience of an American Board graduate in North Dakota here.
