Introduction
Teaching in Alaska’s public schools requires a valid Alaska teacher certificate, as mandated by Alaska Statute 14.20.010. (education.alaska.gov) This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the certification process, including necessary qualifications, required coursework, and available resources.
Certification Types
Alaska offers several types of teacher certificates, each with specific requirements:
- Initial Two-Year or Three-Year Certificate: For individuals beginning their teaching career in Alaska.
- Professional Teacher Certificate: For educators with two years of teaching experience and completion of required coursework.
- Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate: For educators certified in another state seeking to teach in Alaska.
- Master Teacher Certificate: For educators with advanced qualifications and experience.
- Teaching Experience: Two years of teaching experience while holding a valid teacher certificate.
- Examinations: Passing scores on an approved basic competency exam and a content area exam.
- Education: Completion of a teacher preparation program from a regionally accredited institution.
- Coursework: Three semester hours each in Alaska Studies and Alaska Multicultural coursework.
- Mandatory Trainings: Completion of four required trainings.
- Fingerprinting: Submission of a fingerprint card.
- Gathering Documentation: Including official transcripts, proof of teaching experience, and verification of completed coursework.
- Completing the Application: Applications can be submitted online through the TEACH-AK system.
- Paying Fees: Application fees are required and can be paid online.
- Submitting Fingerprints: Fingerprinting is mandatory for all applicants.
- Mandatory Trainings: Information on required trainings is available on the DEED website.
- Alaska Reads Act: A statewide initiative to improve literacy, offering professional development opportunities.
- Virtual Learning Consortium: Provides online learning opportunities for educators and students.
- Email: tcwebmail@alaska.gov
- Phone: 907-465-2831
- Mailing Address: Alaska Dept. of Education & Early Development, PO Box 110500, Juneau, AK 99811-0500
- Juneau Office: 333 Willoughby Ave, 9th Floor, Juneau, AK 99801
- Anchorage Office: 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 810, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Education & Early Development – Education and Early Development
Detailed information on each certificate type is available on the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) website. (education.alaska.gov)
General Requirements
To obtain a Professional Teacher Certificate in Alaska, applicants must meet the following criteria:
For detailed information on these requirements, refer to the DEED’s Teacher Certification page. (education.alaska.gov)
Alaska-Specific Coursework
New teachers in Alaska have a two-year period to complete the Alaska Studies and Alaska Multicultural coursework. Failure to complete these courses within this timeframe may result in ineligibility to hold a certified position in Alaska’s public schools. (education.alaska.gov)
Application Process
The application process involves:
For assistance with the application process, contact the Teacher Certification office at tcwebmail@alaska.gov or call 907-465-2831. (education.alaska.gov)
Resources and Support
The DEED provides various resources to support educators:
For more information, visit the DEED’s Teacher Certification page. (education.alaska.gov)
Contact Information
For further assistance, contact the Teacher Certification office:
For general inquiries, contact the DEED at eed.contact@alaska.gov or call 907-465-2800. (education.alaska.gov)
Conclusion
Navigating the teacher certification process in Alaska requires careful attention to specific requirements and deadlines. By understanding and fulfilling these criteria, educators can embark on a rewarding teaching career in Alaska’s diverse and dynamic educational landscape.