Alternative Teaching Certification in Alaska

There are alternative routes to becoming a certified teacher in Alaska that might appeal to non-traditional candidates. Scroll down this webpage to find how to gain an Alternative Teaching Certification in Alaska.

Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Alaska.

Alternative Certification Requirements

Education Requirements

Recommended Programs for Educators:

USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching Online — No GRE ^*

The Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares aspiring teachers for diverse and high-needs educational settings and can be completed in 12 months.

* GRE scores not required
Prepare for teaching credential

All teachers in Alaska must have a bachelor’s degree and have graduated from an approved teacher preparation program. Additional education requirements for AKT2 include:

Prior to enrollment in AKT2: You must hold a bachelor’s degree in an endorsable area with a minimum 2.5 GPA
After enrollment in AKT2: You must complete the spring pre-service learning program, which combines online learning with classroom observations
You must apply for a teaching position in a partner school district at the end of this learning program

Examinations

Pass the Praxis I exam in reading, writing and math
Pass the Praxis II exam in a core content area

Experience

You must submit to an intensive interview and screening process
Starting in May, you must begin a six week pre-service field experience in Anchorage, which includes a classroom internship, cultural workshop, and classroom practice
You must obtain a secondary teaching position with a partner school district after your field experience, prior to applying for an Initial Teacher Certificate
After applying for the Initial Teacher Certificate, you will work as a Teacher of Record in your own classroom in rural Alaska and teach for two years in a partner district.
As part of your final evaluation, you must submit a portfolio showing your experience and proficiency as a teacher, complete a final interview, obtain recommendation from your district’s superintendent, and receive state recommendation for teacher certification.

Criminal History Background Check

The criminal history background check is mandatory for all Alaska teachers. It is completed during the application process for the AKT2 program. An FBI fingerprint card must be submitted to the AKT2 program. This card will be provided to you if necessary.

Contact Information

There are deadlines for each phase (pre-application, application, spring pre-service learning, summer field experience, teacher of record and final evaluation). Check the EED website for more information.

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