Expert: James J. Kovalcin - 8/5/2009

Question
I have been a teacher for 10 years now (kindergarten and now 3rd grade). Over the course of time, I have taken as many California teacher credential classes as I can, but I have come to a stand still due to the student teaching requirement.  I simply cannot give up an entire contract teaching year to go and teach for free.  Yet, it is very much my goal to complete a state credential.  Do you know of any programs that will waive the student teaching requirement because I have so much experience?

Answer
I do not know if California has such a program, but in New Jersey is entirely feasible to begin teaching without student teaching through what is called the "alternate router" to certification. In this program you take several weeks of classes, full time, in the weeks immediately preceding the beginning of the school year. You then begin full time teaching under contract while simultaneously taking 100 hours of graduate credit in the evenings during the school year. This program also includes a formal mentoring program with a senior teacher. You might want to check and see if California has a similar program.