What Is the Value of Higher Education Teacher Preparation in Alternative Certification Programs?

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Alternate-Route Teacher Education: Perspectives and Considerations for Reform

Abstract

With large numbers of teachers graduating from alternate certification programs and new pressure for higher education programs to track graduates' career performance, understanding the value and influence of higher education in alternative certification model is urgent. This initial quantitative study explores the relationships among perceptions of teaching efficacy and expectations of length of teaching career comparing results of 78 candidates from four different programs including traditional and alternate certification in childhood and adolescent preparation programs. Results showed that teacher efficacy is significantly related to preparation in special education and teaching career expectations. Implications for the four-year longitudinal study are discussed.

Authors

• Rhonda Suzanne Bondie, Fordham University

• Melda Uzun, Fordham Graduate School of Education

• Su-Je Cho, Fordham University