Pathway to Certification: The Road to Becoming a Teacher

Jefferson County Public Schools

Certified Recruitment and Staffing We are looking for candidates that embody the vision and core values of Jefferson County Public Schools.

Types of Certification Based on your background and experience, which certification do you think you are interested in pursuing?

Conquering the Praxis Before being admitted into a teacher education preparation program, you will need to complete preliminary praxis exams know as the Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) exam. You will be assessed in Reading, Writing, and Math. Also, based on the certification you choose, you will eventually need to take content and grade level specific praxis exams. Visit https://www.ets.org/praxis/ky/requir ements for more info on testing requirements.

Praxis Workshops and Training Visit https://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials for student materials based on your required exams. Human Resources staff will collaborate with district content specialists/resource teachers/teachers with expertise in content areas to provide ongoing Praxis prep workshops (based on need). Contact 485-3745 for more info.

Alternative Routes to Certification: 8 options Now that you understand the available certifications you can pursue, visit http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/b ook/view.php?id=94&chapterid= 54 to explore the 8 pathways to gain the certification. Think about which option would be the best route for you. Option 6 – The University Route is most commonly used in JCPS; This option allows you to complete the preparation program with concurrent employment in a school district. You must complete all requirements within 3 years (2 years for administration) and pass all required assessments prior to entering the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program.

Approved University Programs for Option 6- University-Based Alternative Route (Most Common) Visit http://www.epsb.ky.g ov/mod/book/view.ph p?id=94&chapterid=49 to access data base of KYEPSB approved programs (for pursuing the Option 6 route)

Approved University Programs for Option 6-www. tinyurl Approved University Programs for Option 6-www.tinyurl.com/jcpsoption6 - Visit data base of EPSB approved programs and select initial degree/program you would like to pursue (i.e. bachelors or masters, college, content).

www.tinyurl.com/jcpsoption6 For example if you were interested in pursuing the following: Campbellsville University Option 6– working towards Master’s Degree Interdisciplinary Early Childhood

www.tinyurl.com/jcpsoption6 A listing of approved colleges who offer that program will appear.

Contacting the College You must contact the college directly to get application info (eligibility requirements, deadlines, etc.) They will likely ask to meet with you to review transcripts and advise your next steps If more than one college offers the program you are interested in, please research them all and meet with them to determine the program that will be the best fit for you.

Scholarships and Funding for JCPS Employees jcps Scholarships and Funding for JCPS Employees jcps.me/tuition (you will not be able to access this page if you are not currently a JCPS employee)

Tuition/Praxis Support for Certified Employees hired through Option 6: Coursework Praxis exams $1500 for 6 hour course $1250 for 5 hour course $1000 for 4 hour course $750 for 3 hour course $500 for 2 hour course $250 for 1 hour course *Must be pursuing critical needs area(s) Full amount (exams range from $120 to $150) Critical needs areas include Math (middle/high) Science (middle/high) Dual Certifications (i.e. Social Studies and Language Arts) Deaf/Hearing Impaired (w/ sign language) Visually Impaired Moderate to Severe Disabilities Early Childhood ESL

Tuition/Praxis Support for Classified Employees pursuing initial teacher certification (must remain in classified position): Coursework Praxis exams Full tuition if pursuing critical need area(s) Critical needs areas include Math (middle/high) Science (middle/high) Dual Certifications (i.e. Social Studies and Language Arts) Deaf/Hearing Impaired (w/ sign language) Visually Impaired Moderate to Severe Disabilities Early Childhood ESL Full amount (exams range from $120 to $150)

I Dare you!!!

For more info contact: Dr. Gwen Goffner – Elementary Staffing Consultant, 485-3229 Tammy Darden – Middle School Staffing Consultant, 485-3229 Tracy Harris – High School Staffing Consultant, 485-3229 Jose Alfaro – Human Resources, Recruiter, 485-3745 Anetria Swanson – Human Resources, Resource Teacher 485-3745