Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET)
- Teaching Institute: September 2026 – December 2026 Fall Semester, 2026
- Internship: January 2027 – April 2027 Winter and Spring Semester, 2027
- Residency: Fall 2027 – Spring 2028 school/academic year
If you’re ready to turn your expertise into impact, Montgomery College, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), invites you to explore ACET—Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers. ACET is a competitive, accelerated teacher preparation program designed for career changers who want to teach high-demand secondary subjects in MCPS schools. The program blends rigorous coursework with immersive, real-world classroom experience—so you’re prepared to lead from day one. Through ACET, you’ll benefit from:
- Intensive, practice-based coursework aligned with Maryland certification standards
- A supported teaching residency in an MCPS secondary school
- Ongoing guidance from experienced educators and program faculty
- A clear, efficient pathway into the teaching profession
Upon successful completion of the residency year, you’ll earn the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Standard Professional Certificate I—Maryland’s initial teaching license—opening the door to a rewarding career in education.
We are currently taking applications for the fall 2026 cohort. The application deadline for 2026 cohort is February 15, 2026.
- ACET Program Application Form (PDF,
)
You must submit a program application form and payment in order for your application to be considered. - ACET Program Applicant Information Form (PDF, )
- ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, )
If you would like more information about the ACET Program or guidance on how to prepare before the program begins, please reach out to the ACET team at acet@montgomerycollege.edu
Licensing Areas
- Secondary: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, HS Math, Physics, Tech Ed
- Middle School: MS Math, MS Science
- World Languages: Spanish (MSDE PreK–12 certification; secondary placements only (6-12th grade)
Program Overview: Prepare, Practice, Teach!
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).
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0+ GPA
- Strong subject-area background (coursework, experience, or test scores)
- Passing Praxis new window or ACTFL new window scores
Not the right fit? Explore Alternate Paths to Teacher licensure in Maryland new window.
Program Costs
The ACET program currently costs approximately ~ $17,000 for in-state students. For
out-of-state costs, please contact the ACET Program directly.
Note: Billing is semester based, not lump sum. Detailed information will be posted
once available.
Follow these step-by-step directions to apply for the ACET program.
- Take Required Tests or Provide Test Scores: You must provide evidence of a 3.0+ GPA in your last degree earned or passing 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 new window.
- Content Knowledge Test: For all certification Areas EXCEPT World Languages: Successfully complete the Praxis new window Subject Assessment in your subject area. These computer-delivered tests are available
during specific time windows on a monthly basis. See ETS website new 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 Science new window 5442 152 Biology Biology, Content Knowledge new window 5236 154 Chemistry Chemistry: Content Knowledge new 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 Knowledge new window 5265 143 Technology Education Technology and Engineering Education
or
The older version (5051) of the Technology Education new window content test will be accepted through August 31, 2027, if taken before September 1, 2025.5053
5051
157
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 new 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.
- 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 new 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.
- 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 new window.
- 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.
***NOTE: ACET will assist in scheduling these AFTER all application documents have been received. - Submit the following electronically to the ACET program as described below:
- Completed Application Evaluation Registration Form (PDF, ) (unless you have applied previously) Please leave the credit card section blank.
You will receive a call from the WDCE department regarding the payment.
- 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.]
- Completed Application Evaluation Registration Form (PDF,
- 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.
Program Overview
Subject areas vary based on MCPS needs, but typically include:
- Secondary: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math, Physics, Technology Education
- Middle School: Math and Science
- World Languages: Spanish (MSDE PreK–12 certification; secondary placements only (6-12th grade)
The instructional portion (Teaching Institute) lasts 10–12 weeks, followed by an 8-week full-time internship and a paid residency year.
Eligibility & Admissions
You must have:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Strong content knowledge in your desired subject area (based on coursework, experience, or test scores)
- Passing scores on the required Basic Skills and Content Knowledge exams (Praxis or ACTFL new window)
Yes! ACET is designed for career changers. Prior classroom experience is helpful but not required.
You can still qualify with a minimum 3.0 GPA on your most recently earned degree.
Testing Requirements
- Basic Skills Test: Qualifying scores on exams like Praxis new window Core, SAT new window, ACT new window, GRE new window or GPA of 3.0+ on their most recently earned degree
- Content Knowledge Test:
- Praxis new window Subject Assessment for all areas except world languages
- ACTFL OPI and WPT for French and Spanish (Intermediate High score required)
- Praxis new window tests are offered through ETS new window (Educational Testing Service). Visit ETS website new window for details.
- ACTFL new window exams are administered through the Language Testing International (LTI) website.
Program Structure
A 10–12-week intensive course that meets Tuesday–Thursday evenings and some Saturdays. It covers topics like human development, learning theory, assessments, and diversity, using both in-person and online formats.
Yes. The program includes:
- An 8-week full-time internship in a middle or high school classroom
- A residency year in a paid teaching position with full mentoring and support
Certification
After a successful residency year, you will be awarded the Initial Professional License (IPL).
Application Process
Follow these steps:
- Take and submit scores for the required tests (Basic Skills [if required] + Content Test)
- Schedule classroom visits and submit reflection
- Complete and submit:
- Application Evaluation Registration Form
- ACET Application Form (with essay responses)
- Updated resume
- Official college transcripts
- Two professional references using the ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, )
- Send all documents electronically to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu
Yes! Support staff working in middle or high schools may use their experience in place of classroom visits. Reflections are still required.
Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview with the selection committee.
Contact
Email the ACET program at ACET@montgomerycollege.edu with any questions or for help getting started.
Upcoming ACET Information Sessions
Join us for one of our upcoming ACET Information Sessions to learn more about the program, application process, and what to expect. Check back for Session Dates & Times!
ACET is a Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program.