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Board declines to approve 'Training Educators and Creating Hope' alternative certification program after abstentions
Summary
The State Board did not approve a petition by an alternative teacher-preparation organization, with several board members abstaining. Staff described the pathway as non-credit, recommendation-based and contingent on CAPE accreditation and a department certification review.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama State Board of Education did not approve a resolution March 14 to recognize an alternative teacher-preparation organization called Training Educators and Creating Hope after multiple board members abstained, the board chair said.
The item drew extended staff explanation beforehand about how alternative, non-degree-bearing programs fit into the state's certification framework. Dr. Mackey told the board that these organizations are private, noncredit programs that may recommend candidates for certification but do not themselves issue teaching certificates.
"We allow them to recommend people for certification. Only the department issues certificates," Dr. Mackey said. He added that an organization must be CAPE-accredited and that the board placed a contingency in the resolution: if the organization fails its final site visit or does not reach required accreditation, the recommendation authority would be void.
Board members voted on the resolution; the transcript records multiple abstentions during the roll call and later records, "Vote does not pass." The board chair directed a second vote because some members had not been seen raising hands; after reconvening the item, there were not enough yes votes to adopt the resolution.
Board members asked clarifying questions about program costs, degree versus nondegree pathways and how completion leads to pay scales. Dr. Mackey explained the distinction: the alternative programs do not award degrees and therefore do not confer eligibility for master's pay; candidates who want master's pay would need to pursue a degree-bearing program.
Why it matters: The legislature asked the department to create pathways for alternate teacher-education programs. The board's action (or inaction) affects whether a private provider may recommend candidates for Alabama teaching certificates and signals continued scrutiny of accreditation and quality assurances.
The transcript indicates the board will continue work-session discussions with other alternative providers and noted a related bill pending in the legislature; staff also said one prior applicant had been denied and was in ongoing conversations with the department.
