Please pass this on to any of your friends or relatives who are unemployed or seek a career change (or if you know any seniors attending college right now that will be looking for work after June 2009).
PROJO just announced a new alternate Teaching Certification program for RI, as authorized and funded by the No Child Left Behind Act.
This will fast-track anyone who has a Bachelor of Science degree in certain areas and a 3.0 + grade point average to get a teaching certificate while they start teaching for pay (at the 1st step salary & benefits level) after Sept 1, 2009.
The only catches:
1) During July-August 2009, the candidate must attend a 6 week intensive (8:a.m. to 6:p.m.) training seminar and pass the Praxis I and Praxis II exams. Upon completion of summer training, there will be a $2000 stipend paid;
2) After successful completion of items in #1 above, the candidate must then accept employment in an inner-city under-performing school district.
3) While the candidate is being paid at the 1st step after Sept 1, 2009, they must continue with their fast-track RI DOE licensing/certification process, which has yet to be announced, but they're saying it won't be as stringent as the typical licensing/certification procedure.
Below, is the link that lists the college majors that qualify for this new Fast Track Certification program. (You'd be surprised to see which majors are accepted, such as Theatre and Civil Engineering).
This is long overdue in our state!
http://www.rhodeislandteachingfellows.org/how-to-apply/eligibility.html