Becoming a teacher traditionally takes four years to complete at a university.
However, local college graduates can be part of a new breed of teachers who can achieve their career goal in just one to three years.
It’s possible if you have a bachelor’s degree and meet the qualifications to join the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) at Laredo Community College, which is accepting applications for its second rotation now through Friday, Nov. 10.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to be considered for admission to the alternative teacher certification program at LCC, TCP Director Belinda Mendez said.
Mendez noted the time-saving advantages of pursuing a pathway to teaching through the TCP program at LCC.
“While both alternative certification programs and university-based programs are authorized by the State Board of Educator Certification to certify new teachers and train current teachers in additional certification areas, alternative certification programs are performance-based programs rather than traditional course-by-course programs,” Mendez said. “This means that you do not have a checklist of courses to take. You can demonstrate competency by passing a comprehensive state examination.”
She added that LCC’s Teacher Certification Program is online, interactive and affordable.
Tuition and fees at LCC’s Teacher Certification Program are the lowest among all other alternative certification programs in the region, which includes Laredo, Edinburg and Brownsville.
“Laredo Community College offers the most affordable alternative certification program in the region. Other programs in the area charge $500 to $1,500 more than LCC,” Mendez explained.
To apply, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and a desire to enter the teaching profession.
LCC offers certification training programs in various subjects and grade levels.
For more information about the TCP at LCC or to apply online, log on to www.laredo.edu/teachercert.
Letters of acceptance will be issued on Monday, Nov. 13.
Registration, which includes contract signing and payment collection, will be from Nov. 13-17 and Nov. 20-21.
An orientation for all new candidates will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30. The program starts on Monday, Dec. 1.
For more information, call the LCC Teacher Certification Program at 764-5986.
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