Standard endorsement - how it works

Standard endorsements include all endorsement areas except for Special Education. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about the process of applying, getting admitted, and getting started, as well as some key details about our curriculum and learning models. This program is more than learning content. It's building skills, practicing peer mentoring, getting real-time feedback from experts and more - so that when you step into a classroom, you're not just a teacher - you're a rock star.

Apply today

The eligibility checklist is simple: if you hold a Bachelor's degree, a passion for educating children, and are seeking a program that offers an immersive, collaborative network of colleagues - apply today for free.

Admission & Orientation

Once you're accepted into the program, you'll get connected with our coaches, processes and digital program community. Our goal is to help you prepare for the upcoming MTTC and coursework.

Pass the MTTC

Prior to starting the teaching curriculum, all candidates must show evidence of passing the MI Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Need support? Our program offers unique coaching and resources to help you pass with flying colors.

Issuance of interim certification

Upon passing the MTTC and providing evidence of Adult and Child First Aid and CPR licensure, you'll be awarded your interim teaching license, which will kick off your teaching career.

Coaching & curriculum

Our program offers a residency-based model, where you'll spend your apprenticeship learning research-supported, leading curriculum, applying those concepts while teaching in the classroom, and getting real-time feedback from expert coaches and fellow program participants. Learn more.

Cohort network support

During your three year program, you’ll be required to complete coursework, have the opportunity to engage with peers, and have access to our exclusive digital learning network.

Full certification!

After completing all program requirements and meeting the requirement of a minimum of three years of effective teaching, you’ll be recommended for standard certification.

CURRICULUM & COURSES

This program is divided into four key categories - each with diverse learning models built to help you practice the practical skills you'll use every day in the classroom. Click on a category to see a detailed course list!

Foundations in Teaching & Learning

Candidates study professional instructional competencies and develop a vision for their own teaching. Topics include adolescent development and behavior, leading trauma informed classrooms, and the practice of reflection.

Details

Developing Effective Teaching Practice

Through collaboration and reflective practice, candidates refine teaching and management skills with focus on strategies for teaching in diverse cultures and building relational capacity among peers and students.

Details

Curriculum, instruction & assessment

Candidates explore the relationship among curriculum, instruction and assessment, study social and emotional learning techniques, and practice the art of differentiated student instruction.

Details

Teaching apprenticeship

Candidates experience a full immersion in all aspects of teaching and learning. They learn to be an effective educator by teaching in supportive models of classroom instruction, and through carefully supported independent practice.

Details

Foundations in teaching & learning

4 credit hours / 60 contact hours

Part I: The foundation

Learning Environments (Classroom, hook, routines, attention, timing, pacing, momentum)
Content Knowledge Breakouts
Professional Learning & Ethical Practice
Leadership & Collaboration (Build capacity for collaborative and reflective practice)

Part II: The Courage to Teach

Exploration of The Courage to Teach will begin to build the vision for effective and committed teaching. Led assignments with feedback and reflection. Ends with a personal vision statement and set goals as part of the personal portfolio.

Part III: Instruction that works

Learner Development (Brain research, intelligence and grit, behavior norms)
Learning Differences (Personalization, Cultural Competence)
Assessment/Demonstration of Mastery (Implications)
Planning/Pacing (Depth over Coverage)

Part IV: Learning environment in practice

Each candidate must actively participate within a learning environment for a reported 15 hours. Hours may be completed in the classroom or in a summer school session but must be a minimum of 5 calendar days. Candidates will be required to maintain a journal capturing their experiences in the classroom inclusive of reflection on goals and challenges set by the individual as a form of experience and practice and will have multiple feedback and dialogue sessions with the cohort coach via virtual connection.

Developing effective teaching practice

3 credit hours / 45 contact hours

Part I: Building a positive classroom environment

A guided study on the practice within the theory of the highly-effective teaching framework. Candidates will implement and reflect on classroom management goals and strategy within the classroom over the course of 6-weeks. A focus for building relational capacity with both students and parents will be foundational.

Part II: Reflection & individualized learning

Each individual will set goals, work with coaches and mentors to find support and reflect on lessons learned.

Part III: Teaching & management skills and strategies

Module 1: Teaching & Management Skills & Strategies

Module 1: Cohort Coach Observation & Feedback

Part IV: Teaching in diverse cultures

Module 2: Teaching in Diverse Cultures

Module 2: Cohort Coach Observation & Feedback

Curriculum, instruction & assessment

3 credit hours / 45 contact hours

Candidates explore the relationship among curriculum, instruction and assessment, study social and emotional learning techniques, and practice the art of differentiated student instruction.

Part I: Social and emotional learning

Online course: Social and emotional learning

Part II: Reflection & individualized learning

Each individual will set goals, work with coaches and mentors to find support and reflect on lessons learned.

Part III: Positive behavioral interventions & supports

Part IV: Differential instruction

Part V: The relationship between curriculum, instruction & assessment

Part VI: High leverage teaching practices

Teaching apprenticeship

2 credit hours / 45 contact hours

1,260 hours of classroom instruction
30 hours of coaching observation and debrief
School Coordinated Content Knowledge
ELL/Grade Level Applicable School Coordinated Learning

LEARNING MODELS

We believe that the best educators have the confidence and the skills to innovate in the classroom, and adapt to the modern needs of students. Our program integrates diverse learning strategies that each offer unique peer and expert feedback loops.

Professional Learning Network

Professional Learning Networks allow you to practice peer mentoring around key modules and get feedback from expert coaches.

Virtual live sessions

Virtual live sessions introduce high-level topics presented by experts in the field and are supported with individualized action steps for implementation. In all workshops, our coaching team helps bridge the gap between theory and implementation.

Virtual integrated study

These virtual courses bridge the gaps between course work, live sessions and classroom implementation. Their purpose is to help you improve on your practice by reflecting on the great things you’re implementing in the classroom every day.

Classroom coaching

We firmly believe that the best educators are made day-by-day, and lesson-by-lesson. You'll practice everything you learn with real students, and get real-time feedback to adapt and grow.

Standard Endorsement Pricing

Our program coordinators work with you one-on-one to determine your specific pricing and to talk through payment options. The program costs $7,500. Here's what that gets you:

Coursework and programming that meets the modern needs of educators
Consistent, ongoing coaching support throughout the program
A digital learning platform and administrative structure that ensures you are well-supported, connected to coaches, and immersed in a learning experience

Why choose alternative certification?

We believe that great education is rooted in one thing: passion, and that many people can help us address the teacher shortage while also discovering a new career that gives back in the most important way - making a difference in a student's life.

Standard endorsement - how it works

Apply today

Admission & Orientation

Pass the MTTC

Issuance of interim certification

Coaching & curriculum

Cohort network support

Full certification!

Foundations in teaching & learning

Developing effective teaching practice

Curriculum, instruction & assessment

Teaching apprenticeship

Standard Endorsement Pricing

Why choose alternative certification?

Professional Innovators in Teaching

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