Idaho Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Alternative teacher preparation programs, or 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 have a bachelor’s degree, visit our guide to traditional route certification in Idaho. For individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and are interested in becoming licensed teachers, there are multiple routes to earning alternative teacher certification in Idaho. These programs can be a great fit for career switchers. Read more below about the options for earning alternative teacher certification in the state.
Table of Contents
- Idaho 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
All candidates for alternative teacher certification in Idaho must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. In addition, candidates must complete an approved teacher preparation program, though in some cases candidates may complete this requirement while teaching in a classroom. Alternative route candidates are also required to complete a reading instruction course. Idaho teacher preparation programs for alternate route candidates can be completed in as little as one year. Some programs also allow candidates to earn a master’s degree in teaching, education, or in a core subject that includes an approved certification program.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Idaho
Idaho offers several pathways to alternative teaching licenses. These non-traditional routes are meant to attract experienced professionals who have bachelor’s degrees in subjects other than education to the classroom.
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
Idaho recognizes American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) certification as a route to teacher licensure. Candidates pursuing this pathway complete online courses through the ABCTE and independently secure a full-time teaching position. While teaching and continuing coursework, candidates participate in a two-year mentorship through the employing school district. Upon completion of all program requirements, candidates are eligible for a standard Idaho teaching certificate. Currently, ABCTE is the sole online program recognized by the state for alternative teacher certification. You can find out more about this option through the American Board website.
Career Technical Education Certification
Idaho offers several options for certifications in career and technical education (CTE) subjects. The minimum requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED plus experience and industry certification in a career or trade area. The Limited Occupational Specialist Certificate, valid for three years, allows candidates to teach while completing a teacher preparation program in their occupational area. For more information on CTE certificates, visit the Idaho Division of Professional-Technical Education.
Teach for America
The Idaho State Department of Education (IDE) accepts Teach for America (TFA) candidates working toward the standard requirements for Idaho teacher licensure. Currently, the TFA preparation program is administered jointly with Boise State University. Highly qualified candidates in critical need areas such as biology, math, and technology education are preferred. Learn more about Teach for America’s alternative certification process on the TFA Idaho page.
Testing Requirements for Idaho Alternative Certification
In all cases, prospective educators in Idaho must pass the Praxis Subject Assessments for the grade levels and subjects they wish to teach. For more information, consult the Idaho State Department of Education website.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Applicants who have an out-of-state teaching license may be eligible under reciprocity for an Interim Certificate, which is valid for three years. In order to renew the certification into an Initial Certificate, these teachers are required to pass an Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course. For detailed information concerning Idaho teacher reciprocity, visit our reciprocity guide or contact the IDE website or the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis website.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Idaho
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 Idaho State Board of Education (ISBE) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | CAEP | Master’s | 26 | 11 | N.Av. | $14,190 |
| College of Southern Idaho* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | N.Av. |
| Idaho State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 40 | 16 | 100% | $12,999 |
| Lewis-Clark State College* | CAEP | Alternative | 4 | 2 | N.Av. | $10,957 |
| Northwest Nazarene University | CAEP | Master’s | 2 | 1 | N.Av. | $21,616 |
| University of Idaho | CAEP | Master’s | 95 | 65 | 94% | $14,929 |
- — 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 Idaho
We used overall pass rates on the teacher licensing exams to identify the best alternative teacher certification programs in Idaho. The following schools all reported 90% or above pass rates for alternative and master’s program graduates.
- Idaho State University (Alternative, Master’s, 100%)
- University of Idaho (Master’s, 94%)4
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Idaho 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.
- Boise State University (12 months)
- University of Idaho (12 months)
- Northwest Nazarene University (16 months)
- College of Southern Idaho (18 months)
Additional Resources
- American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence-Idaho (ABCTE-Idaho): Guide to alternative certification for Idaho residents interested in the ABCTE route to teaching.
- Idaho State Department of Education (ISDE) Certification page: The ISDE page for license and permit information for current and prospective teachers.
- Teach for America Idaho: Overview of requirements for Teach for America (TFA) alternative certification in Idaho.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Idaho Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Idaho State Department of Education: https://sde.idaho.gov/cert-psc/cert/
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/