Alternative Certification Requirements

Education Requirements

Recommended Programs for Educators:

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.