• Without alternate certification, 50 percent of men said they would not be teaching.teacher & students image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
  
  Traditional routes to teaching have presented some difficulty for schools to attract non-traditional educators. Programs throughout the nation provide alternative routes to teaching in order to recruit individuals from the private sector and the military. In the absence of an alternative route to certification, more than 52 percent of current teachers said they would not have become teachers, according to the National Center for Education.
  
  

Teach For America

• This program targets high-achieving professionals to teach in America's public school systems for at least two years. Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Cumulative grade point average must be 2.5 or greater. Applicants receive a temporary teacher license. Applicants enroll in an alternative certification program at an accredited college or university. The time required to complete the certification program is dependent on the state. Upon completion of the program, applicants must pass all state required certification tests.
  
  Applicants submit applications online in August, September, January or February. Once an application is received, applicants complete a phone interview and a final interview upon approval by the selection committee. Selected applicants begin training and placement in a public school.
  
  

Troops to Teachers

• This program targets military personnel transitioning from active duty to teach in public schools. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Potential applicants must have been honorably discharged from active duty military service.
  
  Upon approval of application, selected applicants may qualify for a $5,000 stipend to cover certification costs. In addition, applicants may receive a $10,000 signing bonus for accepting a position in an school that serves students living in below poverty level households. Both monetary awards require a three-year commitment to teach.
  
  

American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence

• This program targets professionals seeking to earn teacher certification to teach in public or private schools. The program is structured to meet state certification requirements. Certification coursework is provided online based on the individual’s schedule. Study guides, exam preparation and exam administration is also provided online.
  
  The minimum cost is $1,995. Based on state certification standards and state acceptance of the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence program, individuals receive state-approved certification to teach.