Become a Teacher INFORMATION KIT

Become a Teacher INFORMATION KIT

ABCTE allowed me the option to have another career. CLARK SARGE ABCTE Teacher, Pennsylvania A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering, Clark Sarge dedicated his time and talents to the U.S. Navy for more than ten years. He changed careers to become a teacher and is now teaching 9 12th grade mathematics at Hughesville High School in Hughesville, PA. ABCTE s process was not only accommodating, but it was also a great way to prepare me for the classroom, stated Sarge. I love being a teacher, said Sarge. Interacting with the students and watching them grow, learn and grasp new concepts is an amazing and indescribable joy of my job. ABCTE allowed me the option to have another career and I look forward to helping my students find their paths in life. TABLE OF CONTENTS Become a Teacher......................................3 About ABCTE..........................................4 How it Works..........................................5 How You ll Prepare.....................................6 Frequently Asked Questions..............................8 Sample Exam Questions.................................9

Become a Teacher America faces a critical need for new teachers. Millions of children aren t getting the education they deserve. You can change careers and become a teacher with ABCTE s certification program. Why ABCTE? Affordable: Going back to college and even pursuing other teacher preparation programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. ABCTE s program costs under a thousand dollars. Convenient: You don t have to quit your current job or take additional college courses to earn your certification. Flexible: We offer customized study plans that fit your needs. Our self-paced online program gives you up to a year to prepare. Selective: ABCTE is a rigorous teacher preparation program that ensures you are ready for the classroom. More than 95% of the principals who have hired ABCTE-certified teachers say those teachers are as effective, or more effective, than other educators. The ABCTE program is a great option for professionals who are interested in becoming teachers. The State Department of Education will work with ABCTE to help Idahoans become certified and follow their dreams of educating Idaho s children. 3 TOM LUNA Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction

About ABCTE Founded in 2001, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) recruits, prepares, certifies and supports dedicated individuals to improve student achievement through quality teaching. ABCTE is a non-profit organization. Your program fees have been subsidized by grants from the U.S. Department of Education. With a commitment to teacher quality and student achievement, research demonstrates that ABCTE s certification program is an effective predictor of teacher performance in the classroom. 4 ABCTE s program is an approved route to teacher certification in nine states: Florida Missouri Pennsylvania Idaho New Hampshire South Carolina Mississippi Oklahoma Utah The ABCTE program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals while upholding high standards for what new teachers must know to increase student achievement. We are proud to welcome the program as a new route to state certification. HANK BOUNDS Mississippi Superintendent of Public Instruction

Colleges cannot turn out the teachers fast enough. We need a more creative, innovative way. ABCTE provides a solution. How it Works T. WILLARD FAIR Florida State Board of Education Chairman Here s what you ll need to have a classroom of your own: 1. Hold a bachelor s degree in any subject area from an approved college or university. 2. Pass the ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge exam. 3. Pass the ABCTE subject area exam (in the subject you select). 4. Pass a background check. You can earn certification in: Elementary Education (K-6) Special Education (K-12) English Language Arts (6-12) Mathematics (6-12) General Science (6-12) Biology (6-12) Chemistry (6-12) Physics (6-12) U.S. History (6-12) World History (6-12) ABCTE also offers a Reading Professional Certificate/Endorsement program. For a detailed description of topics covered on each exam, visit www.abcte.org/exams Please note that certification areas vary by state. Visit www.abcte.org/teach for more information about your state. 5

How You ll Prepare We will help you complete your certification program and prepare you for your teaching career. 6 Your program includes: Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Advisor: ABCTE will assign you an expert advisor to guide you through the process. Study plan: Your advisor will design a customized study plan based on your needs. Prepare to Teach workshops: Online workshops to help you prepare for the classroom. New Teacher Hotline: Free access to podcasts where you can get advice from teaching experts at www.newteacherhotline.com Online Forums: Connect with other teachers in the ABCTE community. Orientation: Get started with an online orientation to the program at www.abcte.org/orientation Exam administration at testing center Background check Official program certificate NOW INCLUDED WITH YOUR PROGRAM Practice Exams We offer Practice Exams for your subject area and Professional Teaching Knowledge. The Practice Exams simulate the real exam experience and include: More than 300 sample questions Full-length tests Topic quizzes Timed and untimed modes Practice in the same format as the real test Complete explanation of the answers

ABCTE advisors have an exciting role helping our candidates achieve their dreams of teaching. ANGIE HEAD ABCTE Candidate Development Manager Online Refresher Courses Don t remember logarithms? Can t remember iambic pentameter? We offer online refresher courses in our most popular subject areas. Our refresher courses will help you review the topics where you need the most help. These comprehensive courses include: More than 300 pages of content listed by topic Detailed lessons Video demonstrations Unlimited access for one year 7 ADDITIONAL STUDY MATERIALS The ABC s of Reading Reading is the fundamental building block for all students. All teachers must know how to teach reading effectively. Based on the recommendations of the National Reading Panel, we offer the ABC s of Reading CD-ROM and booklet which include: 6 reading instruction workshops Lesson plans In-class reading activities Video demonstrations New teacher workbook OTHER RESOURCES Instructional web sites Online journals and periodicals Books and recommended reading lists Learn more about ABCTE preparation materials and find links to hundreds of other free resources online at www.abcte.org

Going through the regular channels, it would ve taken me three or four extra years. ABCTE let me get into the classroom a lot sooner. UDO LUTES ABCTE Teacher, Emmett, Idaho Sample Exam Questions 9

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Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers. I wanted to be teaching within a year. My certificate was treated the same as that of any other starting teacher and I received a full salary. ERROL FORSMAN ABCTE Teacher, Hillsborough County, Florida Have more questions? Ready to enroll? Call us at 1-877-669-2228 or e-mail us at contact@abcte.org YES! Please have a representative contact me about becoming a teacher with ABCTE. Name Address City/State/Zip Phone Email

BAT0409 PLACE STAMP HERE American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence 1225 19th Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036