Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Hawaii
There is little information available about the types of candidates seeking alternative certification in Hawaii or the percentage who complete such routes and gain certification. However, alternative licensing programs do exist in Hawaii. These programs are primarily designed to address critical teacher shortages in content areas such as math, special education, and trade education as well as in geographically isolated areas. The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, www.htsb.org, has detailed information on the types of licensure available.
Perhaps a candidate’s best route to alternative certification in Hawaii is the Alternative Program for Shortage Area run through Brigham Young University Hawaii. Started in 1996, the program is designed to address the shortage of teachers in certain fields and geographic areas. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA from an accredited college or university as well as two semesters of satisfactory full-time contract teaching experience in the content area for which licensing is sought. Candidates then complete a prescribed course of study through BYUH before applying for full professional licensure.
Top Online Schools for Teachers In Hawaii
Alternative teaching certification in Hawaii falls in line with a growing
need for more educators. Teaching jobs could be expanding, as evidenced by a slight bump in the job growth
rate projected over the next five years. To that end, there
are a few institutions welcoming applicants to get alternative teaching degrees in HI.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The University of Hawaii at Manoa has a larger amount of online degree
programs suited towards education professionals than its sister campuses.
In addition, one can even attain doctorate degrees in Education through this pathway.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
The online teaching programs at Chaminade University do include a stringent
licensure certification program. Those pursuing degrees at the institution
also have a wellspring of resources to keep them connected including
guidance with local teaching professionals.
Grand Canyon University Online
Those interested in the online education department at Grand Canyon
University will find a variety of fields including those dealing with
specialties in secondary education. The school also has components in
place to work with students regarding tuition flexibility.
Aspiring teachers with at least three years professional trade experience might want to consider the state’s Career and Technical Education Limited Duty Special Permit. This provisional certificate allows the holder to teach a trade in any of the state’s public schools for one year. It is renewable for up to five years.
