Alternative Teacher Education Program
(Licensure Only, Add-On Licensure, and Licensure Renewal Credit)
The college offers, through the Department of Education, the opportunity for persons who hold at least the bachelors' degree to earn a license in Elementary Education. The Alternative Teacher Education Program (ATEP) provides qualified persons the opportunity to transition into a teacher education field.
The ATEP prepares lateral entry students and other qualified non-traditional students for careers in teacher education by offering professional course work during four (4) accelerated ten-week sessions. Professional area courses are offered through an abbreviated weekend and/or evening schedule of classes to accommodate the special needs of this non-traditional population.
Course credit, early field experience credit, and student teaching credit may be awarded to students with appropriate life experiences. Modifications and alternative means of meeting requirements are allowed when appropriate.
The following criteria must be met by students desiring to enroll in the Alternative Teacher Education Program (ATEP).
Admission to the college:
- Application
- $75.00 application and transcript evaluation fee
- College or university transcript(s) (indicating possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university)
- Copy of social security card
- Immunization record
- Medical form
- One (1) letter of recommendation
- Police record report
- Identification of an area of study from licensure areas offered by the college
Requirements for admission to teacher education
- A student enrolled in the Alternative Teacher Education Program (ATEP) must gain official admission into the Department of Education by meeting the following criteria:
- Demonstrate an interest in mentoring and teaching;
- Submit a two-page autobiography;
- Receive a grade of "C" or better in the English, communications, and mathematics courses required in the general education core;
- Complete EDUCA 233 - Foundations of Education and receive a grade of "C" or better;
- Meet cumulative PRAXIS I minimum score requirements*;
- Have an overall GPA of at least 2.5**;
- Complete departmental dispositions assessments; and
- Be recommended by the appropriate program coordinator.
*The college, under the direction of the Department of Education, reserves the right to determine the need for completion of PRAXIS I by the applicant for admission to the program. In any event, a period of at least five years since graduation or proof of lateral entry status and demonstration of competency in reading, writing and mathematics basic skills must be documented for consideration of an exemption of this policy.
** Students with GPA's less than 2.5 prior to program admission must earn the required GPA after the completion of at least 15 hours of coursework at Saint Augustine's College. A 2.5 GPA must also be maintained for licensure recommendation.
Advanced Field Placement
The Advanced Field Placement is an internship that is open only to students in the Alternative Teacher Education Program. If you are a lateral entry teacher, permission to take this course can only be approved by the director of Alternative Teacher Education.