WASHINGTON, DC (December 30, 2005) — Individuals interested in changing careers and becoming teachers in Florida are invited to participate in free online Teaching Information Sessions, now offered by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (abcte.org) on January 6, 2006.
The online Teaching Information Sessions provide individuals with more information about how to become a teacher. The interactive sessions allow individuals to learn more about the American Board and the design of its Passport to TeachingSM certification program.
Individuals who apply to earn the Passport to Teaching certification can save $100 off of the $500 application fee if they apply in January. Candidates can also save in January when they enroll in preparation courses, which will be offered for $150, and practice tests CD-Roms, which will be offered for $25.
The sessions will feature a short presentation about Passport to Teaching as well as a live question and answer session with American Board staff members. The first session will be held on January 6, 2006 at 6 p.m. ET.
Individuals can register to participate or receive more information by calling 1-877-NOW-ABCTE (1-877-669-2228) – or online at http://www.abcte.org/drupal/teach/events.
Teachers who utilize Passport to Teaching to earn their certification are recognized as highly qualified according to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Florida needs over 30,000 new teachers by next school year, and the American Board is working hard to encourage more talented professionals to pursue teaching. The American Board’s Passport to Teaching program is a premier national certification option, considered a breakthrough solution for highly knowledgeable career changers.
Individuals with bachelor’s degrees can earn the Passport to Teaching certification by demonstrating mastery on the American Board’s rigorous subject area and professional teaching knowledge examinations. Additional college courses are not required unless the certification candidate chooses to participate in them for preparation purposes.
Passport to Teaching is recognized as a route to state certification in Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Utah. Many charter and private schools nationwide also recognize the certification, which is offered in a variety of subject areas. For more information, or to request a free Introduction Kit, visit abcte.org or call 1-877- NOW-ABCTE.
The American Board also encourages school administrators and current teachers to participate in future online Teaching Information Sessions to discuss teacher shortages, certifying teachers on waivers, and certifying charter and private school teachers. Schools can also request free recruitment brochures, posters, and other materials from the American Board.