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Board hears two alternative teacher-prep programs and debate over certification rules
Summary
Representatives from American Board and iTeach presented alternative certification models; state officials and board members discussed program details and pending legislation that could change accreditation requirements for such providers.
Two alternative teacher preparation organizations spoke to the State Board during a work session as board members and staff discussed program models and a pending legislative change that could alter state requirements.
Isabel Welch, government relations representative for American Board, described that organization’s online pathway for candidate certification, saying the program typically takes about a year and “usually costs around $1,900.” She told the board American Board supports military transition programs and offers discounts, installment plans and partnerships with workforce programs.
Welch said the American Board model requires candidates to demonstrate competency in pedagogy and content and that candidates would still need to take the Praxis or other state-required licensure exams. She confirmed the program does not require a student‑teaching internship during the initial coursework period, though candidates are “welcome to…substitute teach” or seek field experience.
Dr. Diane Huber, founder of ITeach, presented a different model that she said has CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation and operates a minimum two‑year program that includes a two‑semester residency in which the candidate is the teacher of record and receives field supervision and instructional coaching. Huber said ITeach’s full program cost as presented in the meeting packet was $44,399 and that her organization has certified thousands of teachers in multiple states.
Board members pressed both presenters on pedagogy, program length, internship and mentorship requirements and whether providers’ assessments are comparable to Alabama’s. The department’s staff emphasized that, under current state administrative rules, providers must either hold CAEP (or similar recognized) accreditation or meet a set of statutory criteria adopted after legislation on alternative pathways.
Superintendent Mackey summarized the regulatory tension: the law set criteria for alternate providers, but pending legislation would change one of those conditions by allowing membership in a national membership organization to substitute for full CAEP accreditation. “The proposed legislation now does not affect American Board. It does not affect, ITeach,” a department official said during discussion, and board members were warned that the legislature is considering changes that could broaden which providers qualify.
No formal board vote on either provider is recorded in the transcript excerpt.
