Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET)

Teaching Institute

The instructional component of ACET includes 10 to 12 weeks of intensive coursework, with classes meeting most Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings and some Saturdays. The Teaching Institute utilizes blended instruction, including face to face and distance learning, and includes performance based activities, development, planning, and delivery of instruction.

It is composed of eight modules, based on the InTASC standards, which include human development, learning theories, secondary methods, secondary assessments, diversity, students with exceptions, and collaboration and communication.  Students will also enroll in READ 238,  Literacy in the Content Area, Part I , if not previously completed. 

A five to eight week unpaid internship is offered following successful completion of the Teaching Institute, with candidates assigned to MCPS at either the middle or high school level. During the first week candidates observe in their placement classrooms. For the next few weeks they teach with frequent observation and feedback from Montgomery College School of Education faculty with experience in supervising student teachers.

After successful completion of the internship, candidates will interview for paid positions in MCPS. Once candidates are placed, intensive mentoring and supervision along with a regular cohort seminar provide strong support for each teacher candidate.

Residents must also successfully complete the appropriate Praxis Pedagogy exam and READ 239, Literacy in the Content Area, Part II
at MC or equivalent professional development course in MCPS. At the end of a satisfactory resident year, candidates will be awarded the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I.

1. Take Required Tests or Provide Test Scores: You must provide evidence of passing BOTH the Basic Skills Test (any one of the options listed there) AND the specified Content Knowledge Test for your teaching area in order to be considered for entry into the ACET program.
   
   
   • Basic Skills Requirement: Candidates must document a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on their most recently earned degree OR earn a qualifying score on an approved basic skills assessment. 

• •  Content Knowledge Test: 
    • For all certification Areas EXCEPT World Languages: Successfully complete the Praxis Subject Assessment in your subject area.  These computer-delivered tests are available during specific time windows on a monthly basis. See ETS websitenew window for more details. Be sure to indicate that scores should be sent to Montgomery College, recipient code 5422. See the chart below for specific test numbers and names:
      
      

      Specific test numbers and names

      To be certified in:	Take this Praxis subject assessment:	Test Code	Qualifying Score
      Middle School Mathematics	Middle School Mathematics (On-screen calculator provided)new window	5164	157
      Middle School Science	Middle School Sciencenew window	5442	152
      Biology	Biology, Content Knowledgenew window	5235	150
      Chemistry	Chemistry: Content Knowledgenew window	5245	153
      Computer Science	Computer Science: Content Knowledge new window	5652	149
      English	English Language Arts:  Content and Analysisnew window	5039	168
      Mathematics	Mathematics: Content Knowledge (On-screen graphing calculator provided)new window	5165	159
      Physics	Physics: Content Knowledgenew window	5265	143
      Technology Education	Technology Educationnew window	5051	159

    • For World Languages certification: Successfully complete the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) and the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in your desired language, given through the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Intermediate high scores or higher on each test are required for qualification. For more information and to schedule testing, go to the LTI website. 

• Contact program assistant Fern Duncan at fern.duncan@montgomerycollege.edu  to be connected to schools for classroom visits (unless you are already an MCPS support staff member in a middle or high school.)  Reflections on these visits (or on your work experiences if you are in MCPS) are a required component of the application.
• Submit the following electronically to the ACET program as described below:
    - Completed Application Evaluation Registration Form (PDF, ) (unless you have applied previously)
    - Completed ACET Application Form (PDF, ) attaching responses to essay questions provided.
    - Updated resume including employment history and educational background, emphasizing any experience in teaching or work enhancing  your ability to teach adolescents.
     [Note that PDF forms must be downloaded and saved first before being completed electronically, saved and then submitted.]
  
  
• Submit Transcripts: Have official college transcripts sent to the address below (NOT to the MC Admissions Office). Transcripts should include coursework, credit hours, overall GPA, and date of completion of degree. Note: Coursework completed outside the U.S. must first be officially evaluated by one of the MSDE approved agencies. 
  
  
• Submit Professional References: Have two references from former or current employers  emailed directly to the Montgomery College School of Education. They must use the ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, ) . 

All items should be submitted either by mail to: 

ACET Program 
Attn: Dr. Glenda Hernández Tittle, School of Education 
Montgomery College 
51 Mannakee Street, SV 406B
Rockville, MD 20850

Or electronically to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu
We recommend that you keep a copy of all documents for your records. After consideration by the Selection Committee, qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. 

Detailed information will be posted once available.