Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Prospective educators with a bachelor’s degree but who have not completed a teacher preparation program may be eligible for alternative teacher certification in Delaware. Alternative teacher preparation programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional certification in Delaware. Continue reading to find out ifan alternative teacher preparation pathway is right for you.
Table of Contents
- Delaware Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Best Alternative Certification Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
The minimum requirement to pursue alternative teacher certification in Delaware is typically a bachelor’s degree, depending on the pathway to licensure pursued. Most pathways require additional education through a teacher preparation program. Candidates may also be interested in earning a master’s degree, in teaching, education, or a core subject that includes an approved certification program, to qualify for certification.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Delaware
There are five alternative pathways to teacher licensure in Delaware. These pathways allow flexibility based on candidates’ previous education and experience. Note that some pathways only offer certification in select subjects.
Alternative Routes to Certification (ARTC) Program
The Alternative Routes to Certification (ARTC) Program, which is overseen by the University of Delaware, leads to certification in critical needs areas (areas with a shortage of certified teachers). Candidates must already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Candidates must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and pass the Praxis Subject Test in the subject area to be taught. Candidates must be hired for a teaching position before enrolling. Admitted candidates are issued an Emergency Certificate and can complete the program requirements during their first two years of teaching. Requirements include taking five to six graduate-level courses and participating in a school-based mentoring experience.
Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership (DT3P)
The Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership (DT3P) is a five-year federal grant to help recruit secondary teachers to high-needs schools in science, technology, English, and math. Eligible candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or at least 30 credit hours in one of these areas. They also must be hired by a Delaware school to enroll. Before beginning their position, they will complete an intensive three-week summer institute. During the first two years of teaching, they must take four additional courses at the University of Delaware to qualify for certification. They must agree to teach for at least two years after completing the DT3P program.
Masters Plus Certification Program (MPCP)
Unlike most other states, Delaware offers an alternative route to teaching special needs under the Masters Plus Certification Program (MPCP). Candidates must be employed as paraeducators in the Delaware school system and complete the MPCP track at the University of Delaware. The program takes two years to complete, and accepted candidates must commit to teaching in a special needs classroom in Delaware for two years after completing the program.
Teach for America (TFA) Program
Delaware recognizes the Teach for America (TFA) program as a pathway to alternative licensure. To be eligible, candidates must meet TFA requirements. Those who complete the program, which allows candidates to teach full-time while completing coursework, earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through Delaware State University (DSU) and are eligible for teacher certification in Delaware.
91 Days in Lieu of Student Teaching
Candidates who complete one year (at least 91 full days) of substitute teaching experience in the same position may substitute this experience for the ordinary teacher preparation program requirement. However, candidates applying through this pathway should note that it is not guaranteed to lead to licensure; in addition, this pathway does not lead to certification in elementary grades, English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, or special education. Candidates who have completed 91 days of substitute experience in the same position may apply for an Emergency Certificate, provided they receive an offer of employment from a Delaware public school within one year. Once an Emergency Certificate is issued, candidates must complete 15 professional development credits as part of a district-outlined professional development plan. They may then apply for a Standard Certificate.
Testing Requirements for Delaware Alternative Certification
The testing requirements for prospective Delaware educators vary based upon the pathway to licensure followed. For detailed information on testing requirements, be sure to review the information provided by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) or the certification partner for the program you wish to follow.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Delaware teacher certification through reciprocity is issued on a case-by-case basis after a credential review. Those with a current license from another state who have passed the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the Praxis Subject Test for their endorsement area may qualify. For more details, visit our guide to teacher certification reciprocity or the DDOE website.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Delaware
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by the DDOE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $14,464 |
| Kutztown University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | — |
| Relay Graduate School* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 69 | 18 | 100% | N.Av. |
| Saint Joseph’s University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | — |
| University of Delaware* | CAEP | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $19,747 |
| Wilmington University | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $14,761 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Best Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Delaware
We used overall pass rates on the teacher licensing exams to identify the best alternative teacher certification programs in Delaware. The following schools reported 100% pass rates for alternative and master’s program graduates.
- Relay Graduate School (Alternative, Certificate, Master’s)4
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Delaware based on the shortest possible time to completion. Shorter alternative certification programs are often more affordable since they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- Kutztown University (12 months)
- Relay Graduate School (12 months)
- Saint Joseph’s University (18 months)
- Wilmington University (18 months)
Additional Resources
- Delaware 91 Days in Lieu of Student Teaching: Overview of the requirements and limitations of Delaware’s alternative route to licensure via teaching experience.
- TFA Delaware: Guidelines for the TFA alternative route to certification in Delaware.
- University of Delaware ARTC: Home page for the University of Delaware’s alternative certification program.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Delaware Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Delaware Department of Education: https://education.delaware.gov/
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/