Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET)

Teaching Institute

10–12 weeks of evening and weekend classes (Tues–Thurs + some Saturdays) using a blended learning format.
Curriculum includes 8 modules aligned with InTASC standards, covering:

• Human Development & Learning Theories
• Secondary Methods & Assessments
• Diversity & Students with Exceptions
• Collaboration & Communication

Candidates also complete READ 238: Literacy in the Content Area I, if not previously taken.

Internship
8-week full-time teaching internship in a middle or high school classroom.

• Week 1: Observation
• Weeks 2–8: Classroom teaching with feedback from experienced faculty supervisors

Residency
After the internship, candidates interview for paid teaching positions in MCPS.

• Ongoing mentoring, supervision and required action research seminars throughout the school year.
• At the end of a successful resident year, candidates earn the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I (Initial Teaching License in Maryland).

1. Take Required Tests or Provide Test Scores: You must provide evidence of passing BOTH the Basic Skills Test 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 Praxisnew window 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	5236	154
      Chemistry	Chemistry: Content Knowledgenew window	5245	153
      Computer Science	Computer Science: Content Knowledge new window	5652	149
      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 (ACTFLnew window). Intermediate high scores or higher on each test are required for qualification. For more information and to schedule testing, go to the LTI website. 

• Classroom visits and observation: Contact us at  ACET@montgomerycollege.edu to be connected to schools for classroom visits and observation (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 ACET@montgomerycollege.edu. They must use the ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, ) .

All items should be emailed to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu.
*Note: Interviews require full application packet before scheduling.

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.

Join us for one of our upcoming ACET Information Sessions to learn more about the program, application process, and what to expect.

Session Dates & Times:

• Tuesday, October 21 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
• Wednesday, November 5 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
• Thursday, December 1 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. (via Zoom)

All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom.
The Zoom link will be provided here soon.

Program Overview

Eligibility & Admissions

Testing Requirements

Program Structure

Certification

Application Process

Costs

Contact & Support