Are you considering a career change and passionate about making a difference? The ACET (Accelerated Certification for Educators in Teaching) program offers a robust and efficient pathway for career changers like you to transition into the rewarding field of education. This intensive program is specifically designed to equip individuals with diverse professional backgrounds with the skills and credentials needed to become impactful teachers.
Launch Your Teaching Career with ACET’s Intensive Institute
The cornerstone of the ACET program is its comprehensive Teaching Institute. This 10 to 12-week intensive coursework is structured with the needs of working professionals in mind. Classes are conveniently scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, with some Saturday sessions, allowing you to balance your current commitments while pursuing your new career path.
The Institute utilizes a modern blended learning approach, combining face-to-face instruction with online distance learning modules. This flexible format ensures accessibility and caters to different learning styles. The curriculum is heavily focused on practical application, incorporating performance-based activities that allow you to develop, plan, and deliver effective instruction from day one.
Grounded in the InTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) standards, the Teaching Institute covers eight essential modules. These modules provide a deep dive into crucial aspects of teaching, including:
- Human Development: Understanding the stages of learning and growth in students.
- Learning Theories: Exploring various pedagogical approaches to effectively engage learners.
- Secondary Methods: Mastering specific teaching strategies tailored for middle and high school levels.
- Secondary Assessments: Learning to design and implement effective evaluation methods to gauge student progress.
- Diversity: Developing culturally responsive teaching practices to meet the needs of all students.
- Students with Exceptions: Gaining expertise in inclusive education and supporting students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaboration and Communication: Building essential skills for effective teamwork and communication within the school environment.
Furthermore, the program includes enrollment in READ 238, Literacy in the Content Area, Part I (if not previously completed), ensuring a strong foundation in literacy instruction across subject areas.
Real-World Experience Through a Dedicated Internship
Following the successful completion of the Teaching Institute, ACET provides a valuable five to eight-week unpaid internship within Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). This hands-on experience is a critical component of the program, placing candidates in real classroom settings at either the middle or high school level.
The internship is carefully structured to provide a supportive and growth-oriented environment. The first week is dedicated to observation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classroom culture and learn from experienced educators. In subsequent weeks, you will gradually take on teaching responsibilities, with frequent observations and constructive feedback provided by Montgomery College School of Education faculty who are experienced in supervising student teachers. This mentorship ensures you receive personalized guidance as you refine your teaching skills in a practical setting.
From Residency to a Rewarding Teaching Career
Upon successful completion of the internship, ACET graduates are well-positioned to launch their paid teaching careers. The program facilitates interviews for paid positions within MCPS, providing a direct pathway to employment.
Once placed in a teaching role, ACET residents benefit from continued intensive mentoring and supervision. A regular cohort seminar provides ongoing professional development and a supportive community of fellow educators. To finalize the certification process, residents must successfully complete the Praxis Pedagogy exam and READ 239, Literacy in the Content Area, Part II (or an equivalent professional development course in MCPS).
Upon successful completion of the residency year and all requirements, candidates are awarded the MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) Standard Professional Certificate I. This certification marks the culmination of the ACET program and the beginning of a fulfilling and impactful career as a certified teacher, making a real difference in the lives of students. The ACET program is your strategic career change move towards becoming an educator.
