Alternative Certification Program

The Northwest Alternative Certification Program is a two-year, certification-only program for candidates with content-related undergraduate degrees who are seeking Missouri teacher certification. It is not a master’s program.

The purpose of the Alternative Certification Program is to:

1. Provide an alternate route to Missouri teacher certification for quality candidates who are employed as teachers of record in Missouri school districts.
2. Provide an intensive teacher preparation program designed to provide these teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively in the classroom.  

Provisional Missouri Teacher Certification  

Provisional certification is available in areas offered through the traditional route through Northwest at the secondary and middle school levels, several K-12 areas (physical education, art, music, foreign language). Northwest does not currently offer alternative certification at the elementary level. Candidates must meet all requirements for provisional certification including minimum GPA, successful background check, continuing employment, beginning teacher requirements, etc.

Program Admission Requirements

1. Must hold a bachelor's degree in the content area or closely related field or successfully pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) in the subject area.
2. Must have a minimum 2.75 GPA overall and a minimum 3.0 GPA in their content area from all previous coursework.
3. Must submit all undergraduate and graduate level transcripts and résumé to the Alternative Certification Office for transcript audit.  This audit may include a writing assessment and dispositions inventory.
4. Interview with Department may be required.
5. Make application to the Graduate School.
6. Provide proof of employment as teacher of record in a Missouri school district.
7. Completed the Memorandum of Agreement from candidate and school district.
8. Complete all Provisional Certification paperwork including a Fingerprint and Criminal Background Check as designated by Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Northwest alternative certification students are in a certification-only program.  Acceptance in the Northwest Alternative Certification Program does not guarantee acceptance into any Northwest master's program.

Program Requirements

1. Northwest alternative certification students are responsible for the material as printed in the academic catalogs.
2. Alternative certification students can qualify for financial aid in semesters when they are enrolled in a minimum of 5-6 credit hours.
3. Students are expected to take only the classes approved through the two-year program of study.  Students can only enroll in non-program classes with written approval from the Northwest Alternative Certification Director (or her/his designated appointee) who serves as advisor for all alternative certification candidates.  If a student has not progressed by completing their prescribed program, they will not be allowed to continue in the program or be recommended for certification.
4. Content area classes required on individual programs of study do not have to be taken through Northwest but must be approved by the Northwest Alternative Certification Director (or her/his designated appointee) before a candidate takes the class to ensure that the content meets the program requirement.  If a student takes a class without this approval, he/she may have to take another class to meet the requirement.  Northwest is not responsible if the student takes a class without prior approval. 

Program Completion Requirements

1. Complete all class requirements as outlined on program of study with
   1. a minimum 3.0 GPA in all graduate level coursework and content area courses
   2. a cumulative 2.75 GPA is required of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
2. Complete two-year teaching requirement and meet classroom observation component.
3. Successfully complete Missouri Educator Evaluation Assessment (MEES).
4. Successfully complete the Missouri Content Area Assessment for the certification area sought. 
5. Submit all required initial teacher certification paperwork.
6. Complete all university certification program paperwork.