National alternative-certification provider 'Hashtag Teach' presents application to Alabama board; staff recommends consideration next month

Representatives from Hashtag Teach, an alternative teacher-preparation organization that operates in Michigan and other states, presented an application and program overview to the State Board of Education during a work session and said staff will recommend the board consider the application at the next meeting.

Dr. Carol Kilgore, identified by staff as a Hashtag Teach representative, told the board the organization began in Michigan in February 2018 and has since expanded to Indiana, North Carolina and Arizona. “We have a pretty basic mission…to drive exceptional outcomes for students by developing great teachers and great schools,” Dr. Kilgore said.

What the presenters said - Hashtag Teach described its model as fully online coursework combined with individualized instructional coaching. The presenters said Hashtag Teach’s instructional coaches remain with program participants for the full program cycle (presenters described a typical three‑year cycle) and provide lesson feedback, planning support and induction coaching. - The presenters said the provider emphasizes the science of reading in literacy coursework, offers restorative-practices training, and maintains special‑education coursework that includes law, IEPs and an eight‑week field experience. - The presenters said the program attracts paraprofessionals, long‑term substitutes, career‑changers and applicants with associate degrees who pursue degree completion while working through Hashtag Teach coursework.

Costs, delivery and accreditation Dr. Megan Brown, Hashtag Teach presenter, said program costs vary by state and by credential path; the presenters gave a range of $3,300 to $6,200 to cover a full certification pathway. Brown said Hashtag Teach is delivered online with local coaching and that states sometimes deploy further on‑site support depending on state law. The presenters said the organization was pursuing accreditation and expected an upcoming site visit.

Timeline and status Board staff told members the application from Hashtag Teach was received promptly and will be brought back to the board for consideration at the next regular meeting; staff said additional alternative‑preparation applications are likely to follow. Hashtag Teach representatives said they can typically begin recruitment and implementation within about 60 to 90 days after state approval, based on their experience in other states.

Board members asked about program oversight and reporting; Hashtag Teach presenters said the organization submits annual reports and works with state workforce‑development programs, school districts and Title II funding where applicable. Presenters also said Hashtag Teach uses multiple payment plans and partners with workforce‑development funds to reduce costs for candidates.

Ending Staff said they will bring a formal recommendation on Hashtag Teach to the board at the next meeting for action. No board action on Hashtag Teach was recorded during the work session.