Over the past decade, alternative teacher preparation programs have proliferated across the nation--and in Massachusetts--in response to projected teacher shortages and in an effort to better prepare teachers for the challenges of today's classrooms. While the vast majority of Massachusetts teachers are trained through traditional teacher preparation programs, both the number of alternative route programs and the number of teachers completing them has grown significantly. The project provides a detailed analysis of alternate paths to teaching in Massachusetts.

Research for this project included a review of relevant literature, websites and online documents, and interviews with directors of 26 alternative teacher preparation programs in Massachusetts. Fourteen interviews were conducted with directors of alternative teacher preparation programs operated by school districts, charter schools, private schools, education collaboratives and private organizations. Twelve interviews were conducted with directors of alternative teacher preparation programs operated by institutions of higher education. Participating college and university programs included two undergraduate programs, two 5th year programs and eight post-baccalaureate programs.

This report summarizes key findings from the project and lays a foundation for discussion on the future role that alternative teacher preparation programs might play in Massachusetts, as well as their potential role as a catalyst for the reform of traditional university-based teacher education.