ARTC FAQ's

[Certification] [Eligibility] [ Employment ] [Courses] [Costs]

FAQ's ABOUT ALTERNATIVE CERTFICATION

Is Alternative Certification different from "regular" certification in Delaware?
No. Certification completed through ARTC is exactly the same as certification for all other Delaware secondary teachers.

When I complete certification in Delaware, can I teach in other states?
Some states do have "reciprocity" with Delaware in teacher certification, but you will need to check each state on a case-by-case basis. The Delaware Department of Education certification office can provide this information.

FAQ's ABOUT ELIGIBILITY

I currently teach in private school. Can I become certified through ARTC?
No. ARTC ONLY prepares teachers teaching in secondary (middle and high) public schools or charter schools.

Can I enroll in ARTC if I teach in PA, NJ, or MD?
No. The ARTC program is only for individuals who teach in the state of Delaware.

What if I don't live in Delaware?
As long as you are teaching in a Delaware secondary school, you are still eligible for the program. Tuition costs are, of course, much higher for non-Delaware residents.

What if I already have certification in another state or have taken a lot of education courses?
If you already have teacher certification, you should contact the state Certification Office directly (toll-free: 1-888-759-9133) to inquire about Delaware certification.

What if I want to become certified in elementary (grades k-6)?
ARTC does not prepare teachers for elementary certification. Candidates interested in teaching elementary age children should look into certification through other college and university programs.

How do I know if I'm eligible for ARTC in a particular subject?
Y you should mail, fax or email your transcripts to the ARTC office to confirm eligibility. At this stage unofficial transcripts will do. Just be sure your name, phone and email address are with the transcripts.

What if I want to teach a subject that is unrelated to my degree(s)? Or a subject where I have a minor rather than a major? Or I have a degree like engineering where I might qualify in several areas like math, science, or technology education?
It depends on how much course work you have taken in that subject. The ARTC office will review review college transcripts to determine eligibility for the program.

Does work experience count?
Except in business education, work experience does not typically count toward meeting subject-area requirements. Evaluations are based on college transcripts. As you might imagine, however, "real world" experience is highly valued by schools and may enhance job opportunities.

What if I have not yet taken Praxis I and II? Can I still be hired and enroll in ARTC?
Candidates who meet the subject-area requirements may be hired and enrolled in ARTC, provided they satisfy the Praxis I and Praxis II requirements by the end of the school year following the date of hire. Districts, of course, prefer to hire individuals who have completed these requirements and may require that they be completed earlier.

FAQ's ABOUT FINDING A TEACHING JOB

When do schools hire alternative routes teachers?
ARTC teachers may be hired at any time. Since districts typically look first for certified teachers, it is not at all unusual for ARTC teachers to be hired quite late in the summer. The pool of certified teachers is also likely to be smaller when openings occur during the school year, so many ARTC teachers have been hired at these times.

How can ARTC help me find a job?
Do follow the suggestions under Find a Job, including sending in our request form. This allows us to include you in our database of potential teachers and send your information out to district personnel offices. You should also check our home page for notice of upcoming teacher job fairs.

How long does it take to complete the program?
ARTC courses are designed to be completed within twelve to sixteen months.

When would I start courses?
Ideally, ARTC teachers complete the Summer Institute courses before starting in the classroom, but this is not always feasible. Candidates hired by June begin with the the Summer Institute. Candidates hired later in the summer typically begin in September and sometimes in February when enrollments allow.

What makes ARTC courses different from other education courses?
The ARTC program is based on a "cohort" model. This means that ARTC teachers go through the program together in small groups, in their own classes, and serve as an important support system for each other. Courses are scheduled for working adults, taught by skilled practitioners, and designed to meet the needs of new teachers. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills for immediate application in the classroom, development of classroom plans and materials, and reflection on daily practice. During the Summer Institute, ARTC graduates and other experienced teachers provide one-on-one coaching and support.

Can I earn credits toward a graduate degree through ARTC?
It is important to note that ARTC is primarily a certification program and not part of a masters degree program at the University of Delaware. Otherwise qualified candidates should explore masters programs and meet with program advisors to discuss which, if any, ARTC courses might be accepted toward the degree.

What does the program cost?
Candidates should plan on completing a total of 15 semester hours of professional education course work. Like all Delaware teachers, ARTC teachers are exempt from tuition payment during the summer (typically 6 credits). Costs for the remaining 9 credits will be approximately $3,000 for Delaware residents (those who have resided in the state for at least 12 months) and $7500 for non-Delaware residents. The University of Delaware does offer an installment payment plan for qualified students. Tuition may be charged to a major credit card.

Can I get reimbursed for course tuition?
School districts typically reimburse for all or part of in-state tuition costs. Check the district policy and procedures at the time of hire.

What about financial aid?
There are several possible sources of financial aid for qualified candidates.