Alternative Certificates

The agreement between Alabama Teachers of Tomorrow and the ALSDE expired December 2022. Only those individuals who have held a 1st Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field (CCTF) and are within their four-year window are eligible to complete the CCTF alternative approach in conjunction with Alabama Teachers of Tomorrow.

The Provisional Certificate in a Teaching Field (PCTF) is for individuals entering the field of education in certain K-12, 4-8, and 6-12 teaching fields (excludes Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Special Education, and areas of instructional support). Certification based on the PCTF must be requested by an employing Alabama city/county superintendent or eligible nonpublic/private school administrator. An individual should contact the school system in which employment is desired for information concerning certificate eligibility.

The Provisional Certificate in Library Media or School Counseling (PCLS) is for individuals to serve as a library media specialist or school counselor. Certification based on the PCLS must be requested by an employing Alabama city/county superintendent or eligible nonpublic/private school administrator.

The Temporary Special Education Certificate (TSEC) Approach is for Collaborative Teacher, grades 6-12. Certification based on the TSEC Approach may ONLY be requested by an employing Alabama county/city superintendent. An individual should contact the school system in which employment is desired for information concerning certificate eligibility.

The Business and Industry to Educational Administrator Certificate (BIEA) is for individuals seeking administrative certification with an Alabama city/county school system. Certification based on the BIEA must be requested by an employing Alabama city/county superintendent, or local board chair to employ a superintendent, for an individual who is not eligible to pursue certification in educational administration through any other alternative type certificates, reciprocal, or traditional approach. An individual should contact the school system in which employment is desired for information concerning certificate eligibility.

The Higher Education Transitional Certificate (HETC) is for individuals who have experience teaching at a regionally accredited college or university and is available in certain K-12, 4-8, and 6-12 teaching fields (excludes Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and areas of Instructional Support). A letter of eligibility from the Educator Certification Section of the Alabama State Department of Education must be obtained prior to seeking employment. Certification based on the HETC may be requested by an employing Alabama city/ county superintendent. An individual should contact the school system in which employment is desired for information concerning certificate eligibility.