INDIANA UNIVERSITY EAST
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO CERTIFICATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In what subjects (content areas) does the IUE Alternative Routes prepare teachers?
Secondary = Math, Sciences, English & Social Studies
Elementary Education

Can I get a job after an Alternative Routes program?
Yes, school corporations are eager to find mature, experienced, well trained teachers.  ARC interns have been very successful finding teaching positions.  They have been very competitive with traditionally prepared teachers. There is greatest need for teachers in Math and Sciences.  Though there is least need in Social Studies, our interns have been successful in finding positions. Some interns may have the opportunity to take positions in Special Education on limited license due to the critical shortage of teachers in that field. The IUE service area anticipates a high incidence of teacher retirement during the next several years.  The impending retirements will provide employment opportunities.

Is this program really full time?
Yes, ARC is an intensive program that requires interns to gain both knowledge and experience in a condensed time frame.  Interns enter the program with the understanding that it is full time in every sense of the term.

Is this program offered on nights or weekends?
No, it is widely accepted, by virtue of research and state standards, that teacher education programs are most effective when they are field based.  It is imperative that we provide interns with extensive field experience with children, in schools.  It is not possible for ARC to be field based with weekend or night programs.

Do I have to have a major in what I want to teach?
Preferably.  Successful secondary applicants will have a major (or equivalent), a very strong minor (or equivalent) or coursework subsequent to their degree in the content area in which they are seeking certification.  ARC does not provide content area preparation.  Content knowledge must precede the program.  Practical application of the content through employment may be taken into consideration.

Elementary applicants must demonstrate academic preparation across the disciplines.  Elementary teachers are responsible for instruction in many content areas (language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, etc) therefore it is critical that they have a broad spectrum of academic preparation.  Specifically, educational psychology (or equivalent) and children’s literature or trade books are prerequisite to admissions.

I graduated a long time ago.  Will you accept my degree and coursework?
Degrees and credit within the last ten years will be considered.  If your academic work is older than ten years BUT you have consistently worked in a field that requires the application of the subject you want to teach your credit may be considered.  If you can demonstrate extensive work with children your credit may be considered. Coursework taken subsequent to the original degree is considered.  If you want to teach content that is time sensitive it would be advisable to update your academic preparation prior to application. Being current in your content will be critical to passing tests required for admissions and licensure.

My degree is in business (or accounting) can I become a math teacher? 
Business math and accounting are not sufficient preparation for this program.  If you had a math minor or subsequent math courses your application may be considered. You might consider Business Education at another institution.

What kind of experience does the admissions committee look for?
Experience working directly with children and experience applying the content area to be taught.

What is the application deadline?
Application portfolios are to be complete by February 1, in the year you wish to begin ARC.  If, after application portfolios have been reviewed, there are still openings in the program, applicants may be considered after the February deadline.  It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit by February 1.

How much does this program cost?
The cost of the program is subject to change depending upon the tuition rate and fee schedules of the university.  Cost estimates are based on Indiana residency. In general, secondary interns will pay approximately $6200 in tuition and fees.  Elementary interns will pay approximately $7600 in tuition and fees.  Residents of Preble and Darke Counties in Ohio do not have to pay out of state rates.

Will I be licensed to teach in other states?
IUE only licenses in Indiana.  You would be responsible for applying for licenses in other states.  Some states offer reciprocity with the Indiana license.  This means that you will be issued a license, by the other state, on the basis of being licensed in Indiana.  Some states that offer reciprocity with Indiana may require additional work to subsequently renew the license in that state.
 

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