The Northwest Alternative Certification Program is a two-year, graduate-level, certification-only program for candidates with content-related undergraduate degrees who are seeking Missouri teacher certification. It is not a master’s program.
The purpose of the Alternative Certification Program is to:
1. Provide an alternate route to Missouri teacher certification for quality candidates who have been employed as teachers of record.
2. Provide an intensive teacher preparation program designed to provide these teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively in the classroom.
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Program Admission Requirements
Before admission, alternative certification candidates must submit transcripts, resumé and proof of employment as teacher of record in a Missouri K-12 school district. Candidates must hold a bachelors degree in the content area or a closely related field and have a minimum 2.50 GPA overall and in their content area. Following a successful on-campus transcript/experience audit conducted with the candidate, Northwest alternative certification and department personnel and, when required, school district administration, an individual program of study will be determined. This audit may include a writing assessment and dispositions inventory. Candidates may be re- quired to complete the GRE.
If the candidate is found to be eligible for the program following the audit process, the candidate will submit a completed graduate application, Missouri provisional certification applications, supply two sets of official transcripts for all previous college/university work, and any additional paperwork requested. Candidates must also complete the required background check with local/ state law enforcement agency and submit with a check to DESE. This should be done immediately, and the candidate should monitor the process regularly for certification status.
Candidates must qualify for provisional certification and be maintained as the teacher of record in a Missouri school district to continue in the program.
Provisional Missouri Teacher Certification
Provisional certification is available in areas offered through the traditional route through North- west at the secondary and middle school levels, several K-12 areas (physical education, art, music, foreign language) and special education/K-12 multicategorical. Northwest does not currently offer alternative certification at the elementary level. Candidates must meet all requirements for provisional certification including minimum GPA, successful background check, continuing employment, beginning teacher requirements, etc.
Certification Program Requirements
1. Complete all class requirements as outlined on program of study. 2. Meet classroom observation component.
3. Complete portfolio based on Teacher Work Sample (TWS) and MoSTEP standards. 4. Complete two-year teaching requirement.
5. Submit all required certification paperwork.
6. Complete all university certification program paperwork. Secondary Alternative Certification Program
Required Courses Semester Hours
Ed 61-614 Introduction to Teaching . . . .3 Ed 61-615 Organizing for Learning. . . .3 Ed 61-616 Teaching Strategies . . . .5 Ed 61-617 Organizing for Learning II. . . .3 Ed 61-649 Issues in Education . . . .3 Ed 61-684 Secondary Curriculum . . . .3 ** Plus any additional content hours determined by transcript/experience audit College of Education and Human Services
Middle School Alternative Certification Program
Required Courses Semester Hours
Ed 61-614 Introduction to Teaching . . . .3 Ed 61-615 Organizing for Learning. . . .3 Ed 61-616 Teaching Strategies . . . .5 Ed 61-617 Organizing for Learning II. . . .3 Ed 61-649 Issues in Education . . . .3 Ed 61-570 The Middle School. . . .3 EdCI 62-511 Middle School Curriculum, Methods & Practicum. . . .3 ** Plus any additional content hours determined by transcript/experience audit Special Education (Multi) Cross-Categorical K-12
(Certification Only 32-33 hours)
Required Courses Semester Hours
Ed 61-614 Introduction to Teaching . . . .3 Ed 61-615 Organizing for Learning. . . .3 Ed 61-617 Organizing for Learning II. . . .3 EdCI 62-540 Behavior Management Techniques. . . .3 EdCI 62-655 Reading in the Elementary School . . . .3 EdCI 62-654 Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities . . . .3 EdCI 62-642 Introduction to Teaching Students with Mild to
Moderate Disabilities . . . .3 EdCI 62-643 Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities . . . .3 EdCI 62-652 Psycho-Education Measurement . . . .3
Take two of the following courses:
EdCI 62-504 Creating Inclusive Classrooms . . . .3 EdCI 62-508 Transition/Career Education for Students w/Disabilities . . . .3 EdCI 62-635 Techniques for Conferencing and Collaboration . . . .3 ** Plus any additional content hours determined by transcript/experience audit Policy Issues
1. Northwest alternative certification candidates are responsible for the material as printed in the graduate catalog.
2. Northwest alternative certification candidates are in a certification-only program. Acceptance in the Northwest Alternative Certification Program does not guarantee acceptance into any Northwest master’s program.
3. By design, the Northwest Alternative Certification Program is an intense teacher education program coupled with a beginning teacher experience. Candidates are expected to take only the classes approved through the two-year program of study. Alternative certification candidates can qualify for financial aid in the fall and summer trimesters, but some may not qualify for the spring trimester. Candidates must not add additional hours in the spring for the purpose of being eligible for financial aid.
4. Students can only enroll in non-program classes with written approval from the Northwest Alternative Certification Director (or her/his designated appointee) who serves as advisor for all alternative certification candidates.
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5. Content area classes required on individual programs of study do not have to be taken through Northwest but must be approved by the Northwest Alternative Certification Director (or her/ his designated appointee) before a candidate takes the class to ensure that the content meets the program requirement. If a candidate takes a class without this approval, he/she may have to take another class to meet the requirement. Northwest is not responsible if the candidate takes a class without prior approval.
M.S. in Higher Education Leadership (MHEL)
CIP: 130406This academic program is unique in philosophy, concept, and delivery. Philosophically, the program is based on the idea that higher education leaders should be equipped with a firm understanding of leadership, culture, and teamwork in order to lead complex organizations and implement their myriad of administrative responsibilities. Conceptually, the program bases its structure on the understanding that adults learn best when new theories, concepts, and information are integrated into familiar contexts, when there are ongoing opportunities for collaboration and discourse, and when the “big picture” is always present. Consequently, the program’s learning model is cohort- based and content is built around broad themes that encompass components of the complex organization we know as higher education.
The model is implemented by delivering content in three modalities: face-to-face through monthly on-site workshops, online, and through field experiences. Opportunities for program specializa- tion are available through electives incorporated into the program.
The learning cohort is comprised of classmates, faculty, employment supervisors, higher educa- tion leaders on campus and other campuses, and field literature. The primary cohort for each student are peers and colleagues. Each cohort begins together and stays together throughout the program journey. Expect to spend a significant amount of time collaborating face-to-face and online with cohorts-members.
Program Admission Requirements
1. Candidates are required to hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution; no other certification is required. Admission standards for the proposed degree will include at least a 2.75 GPA at the undergraduate level.
2. Successful candidates are required to score 700 or higher on the GRE on the combined verbal quantitative sub scores and at least 3.5 on the writing sample section of the GRE. For those candidates who have taken the GMAT, the department will accept scores of 450 and higher. 3. All students are required to have a completed Approved Program Form during the first semester
of the program.
4. Students are required to have an approval statement from an immediate supervisor (if employed on a college campus) and a signed confidentiality statement.
Exit Comprehensive Portfolio Required
To meet exit comprehensive requirements, program members are required to submit a completed portfolio and field study in the last semester of coursework for evaluation by a faculty panel. Those students who have successfully completed all course work, portfolio and field study requirements will be approved for graduation.
Working Higher Education Professionals are Encouraged to Apply
Individuals currently holding, or interested in, leadership positions in higher education will find this program flexible and accommodating. Courses will be primarily offered on weekends (Friday evening and all day Saturday) with supplemental online coursework.
Course Requirements Semester Hours
Ed 61-652 Leadership Issues in Higher Education . . . .6 Ed 61-654 Higher Education Administration . . . .6 Ed 61-656 College Students in America . . . .6 Ed 61-658 Law, Policy, and Finance in Higher Education . . . .6 Ed 61-659 Introduction to Institutional Research . . . .3 Advisor approved electives . . . .6
Total . . . 33