CANTON, Mo. — Since 2020, Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) has provided a flexible pathway for professionals with bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields to transition into teaching. Through C-SC’s Alternative Teacher (ALT) Certification program, individuals enrolled in the ALT certificate program are prepared for teaching by learning instructional strategies, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills, in addition to subject-specific content.
Accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the online program allows candidates to work full time in a classroom while completing their coursework. Once enrolled, candidates are immediately eligible to be hired by school districts. The program is designed for working professionals, with all classes offered online and asynchronously. Students can begin at five different points throughout the year and can complete the certification in as little as one year, though most finish in 18 to 24 months.
“The teacher shortage crisis continues to impact schools across Missouri and the nation, particularly in rural communities,” said Cindy Whiston, associate professor, chair of the education department, and director of student teaching at Culver-Stockton College. “Our program offers schools a vital resource by enabling them to hire qualified candidates while those candidates complete their training. This helps fill classroom vacancies quickly.”
Whiston explained those enrolled in C-SC’s ALT certification program bring diverse professional experiences into education, enriching classrooms with real-world perspectives. She added that one of the aspects that makes Culver-Stockton’s program unique is faculty members’ personal connection to students.
“We combine support, along with affordability and flexibility, with the rigor needed to prepare successful educators. This program helps passionate individuals make the transition into teaching while ensuring schools receive the qualified educators they urgently need.”
Learn more about Culver-Stockton’s ALT Teacher Certification program via C-SC’s Master of Education webpage at https://culver.edu/master-of-education/.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.