Empowered to Teach

Click here to read about the program in the GSU Catalog. 

NEW! 2009 info session schedule (for 2010-2011 program)

2010-2011 program timeline 

The Alternative Route to Elementary Teacher Certification makes it possible for individuals from a variety of backgrounds and careers to enter the teaching profession. If you

• possess a baccalaureate degree,
• have five years of professional experience since earning your degree,
• have been successful working with children or young people in your community (e.g. church groups, youth sports, scouting, etc)
• are committed to entering the teaching profession, and
• are selected as a candidate for this program

it may be possible to earn your elementary teaching certificate in 16 months while working in a partner school district as a provisionally certified classroom teacher.

The program is fully approved by the Illinois State Board of Education to prepare you for the Illinois Type 03 Elementary Teaching Certificate.

Alt Cert in the News!

• Alt Cert Program Christa McAuliffe Award Finalist 
• From the Courtroom to the Classroom for Alt Cert's Pia Conte 

Certification and Endorsement

The Division of Education presents public information sessions for individuals who want to know more about the Alternative Teacher Certification program. Please join us! Click here to see a schedule of upcoming dates. For more information call 708. 534.4987 or send us an email.

Please note that we do not need you to reserve a seat for the information sessions. We'll be happy to speak with you and we look forward to your visit to GSU. Why not bring a friend? If you would like to have your transcripts evaluated, please bring copies with you to the information meeting.

Remember that the application deadline for next year's program is December 15.

Are you a veteran? Check out Illinois Troops to Teachers or call toll free 1-866-372-3157 or send email to troops.teachers@illinois.gov. 

A little about the program

This venture is a response to local community needs in South Cook and Northeast Will counties. The need for an alternative route to teacher certification has become evident as we jointly examined data concerning the staffing of schools in the region. The partner districts and the university believe that this program addresses needs for several reasons:

• A majority of the program participants are geographically connected to the South Suburbs. 
• The program explicitly addresses teaching in culturally and socially diverse settings.
• Districts and participants form relationships that will persist after completion of the program.
• Research suggests that a strong mentoring component, such as the one this program will provide, is an important factor is helping individuals to persist in the teaching profession.

Click here to contact an advisor for the Alternative Certification program.

Program Director: Rudy Puente
Program Recruitment Coordinator and Advisor: Ms. Eileen Lally