I don’t know if this applies to the district you would like to teach in, you are going to have to conatct them and see if they offer it.

Most Large districts offer what is called a district intern program. Instead of earning your credential through the university, the district partners with the school and you earn it while you work. So in this case your student teaching would be in your own classroom, while you are a paid employee. You would be required to pass a bunch of tests, commit to the district for up to five years, and take classes at night for 2-3 years.

If it sounds like alot, remember that your student teaching is required by all states. You can save up the money needed to be working without pay, find a night job or try for a program such as this. If your district does not offer it, call around to other districts. It is usually held in districts with high teacher need.

here is the web page with the people to contact:

http://birmingham.schoolinsites.com/Default.asp?PN=StaffList&L=1&DivisionID=’1336’&DepartmentID=”&SubDepartmentID=”&ToggleSideNav=

Check your local DOE website for certification requirements. I’m your neighbor here in GA and we have a TAPP program that lets you start teaching right away and get paid for it at the same time, but you have to go to night classes and in depth immersion classes during the summer. You might want to look at that. I am using school loans to get through my months of unpaid teaching. You have to do it for certification..there’s no way around it. They want to make sure you are capable of teaching before they give you the certificate. I am almost done with the non-traditional Masters in Education program at CSU, and I have loved every minute of it. I worked as long as I could and took all the on line classes possible, evening classes possible. I was lucky enough to have an evening job so I could take some morning classes when required. In my program you are not allowed to work while student teaching. Just some things to consider. It will be about 3 years of hard work..but it will be worth it.

Why don’t you move to Dallas. Dallas ISD has an Alternative Certification program for Bachelor degree holders who wants to teach. Once you’re accepted as an AC intern, you’ll apply for a teaching job while going through the certification process.

One way to do this is take the Praxis test right away. (www.ets.org) once you take this test you can apply for teaching positions in Abbott districts (don’t know if they have them in AL, they do in NJ where I live). They will take you on and pay for your schooling for the remaining classes you require for the certification.

Student loans. That’s the only way I’m doing it.