If we want more teachers in our schools—which, of course, we do—then perhaps we should consider scaling up alternative teacher training programs. They require fewer hours of coursework, and have shown to be no less effective than traditional programs. A recent study demonstrates that students taught by alternative teachers perform as well in math or reading, as students whose teachers are traditionally certified.

From edweek.org:
“Students who have teachers certified through alternative-training programs do no worse in mathematics or reading achievement than students whose teachers have been certified by traditional teacher education programs, according to a study released today by Mathematica Policy Research Inc…

…Our bottom line is that when students are placed with teachers with alternative routes versus traditional routes [for certification], there's no harm in terms of student achievement," said Jill Constantine, an associate director of research at the Princeton, N.J.-based Mathematica and the project director for the study.”

The teacher shortage is a nation wide crisis. On Tuesday, President Obama called on Americans to join the teaching profession. “If you want to make your mark with a legacy that will endure – join the teaching profession. America needs you,” said President Obama in his first major address to the nation on education.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Education, Washington schools operated with teacher shortages in fourteen different subject areas including, biology, chemistry, physics and math in 2007-2008.  With schools continuing to grow significantly, innovative practices in teaching preparation deserve consideration. ALL students deserve a high quality education and alternatively certified teachers can effectively fill positions in high-needs subjects and high-poverty schools. Why would we shut them out of the classroom?