Do you have a desire to become a teacher? The San Juan College Teacher Education/Alternative Licensure Program can help. The program is designed to train people who already hold a bachelor’s or higher degree to become school teachers. Applications are now being accepted until August 1, 2012 for the Fall 2012 Semester.

Alternative Licensure students take a total of 19 credits for elementary licensure, 16 credits for secondary licensure, or 21 credits for special education licensure over a three semester program. Candidates are required to have a bachelor’s or higher degree, as well as 30 credit hours in the content area in which they wish to teach if pursuing secondary licensure, or 30 credit hours in a combination of core subject areas (math, science, language arts, music, art, social studies) if pursuing elementary licensure. Candidates should also have experience with youth in educational settings.

The program uses a cohort model in which accepted candidates move through the program together. Cohorts begin in August for fall semester and January for spring semester each year.

Persons considering this program should be seriously committed to the intense course of study. Classes are held on most Saturdays during three semesters. Requirements include six to eight hours of classroom observations during the first semester and a minimum of 105 hours of classroom field experience (student teaching) during the second or third semester.

An application packet is available at the Teacher Education/Alternative Licensure Program Office located @ San Juan College Main Campus, Student Center Building, Room 1628, or at www.sanjuancollege.edu/teach. For further information, call 505-566-3044 or send an e-mail to altlic@sanjuancollege.edu.