I am currently teaching under a Temporary Authorization Certificate. Am I eligible for this program?   Yes. The Alternative Certification Program of Study is designed for individuals teaching with a Temporary Authorization Certificate.   I am currently teaching under a Temporary Authorization Certificate from a school that is not one of the partner schools. Am I eligible for this program?   Yes. TAC's from our partner districts will be given priority. However, students teaching math or science with a TAC in other Missouri school systems are eligible for this program. To participate in the ALT program, the school must be accredited by a DESE approved agency. Questions regarding school's accreditation can be directed to the program coordinator, Marilyn Soucie, at 1-866-884-0174.   I am not teaching yet. I would prefer to earn my certification before I begin teaching. Am I eligible for this program?   Yes. The Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in mathematics, science, or a related area who desire a teacher preparation program in an accelerated time frame.   I do not have any teaching experience. Am I eligible for this program?   Yes. SMAR2T is designed to assist individuals who have math and science backgrounds, but no teaching experience, in their transition to a career in teaching.   When is the deadline for applications?   The deadline for the 2010 summer session is March 1, 2010.   Is there an application fee?   Yes, there is a non-refundable Graduate School Application processing fee of $45.   How much does SMAR2T cost?   Currently, graduate school tuition is $298.70 per credit hour. Those APB students who are admitted to SMAR2T pay only ½ of the graduate student tuition. The students are responsible for all incidental fees (e.g. activity fee, technology fee). For more information contact the Office of Cashiers.   Is there financial aid available?   SMAR2T pays ½ of your total tuition for this 35-credit hour program. A limited number of $10,000 stipends, based on academic merit and need, are available for students in the Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Program (APB). Students in the Alternative Certification Program (ALT) earn a regular teaching salary. As a student, you are also eligible for several types of scholarships and federal loans. For more information about financial aid, contact Student Financial Aid.   What is the application and selection process?   Step 1- Applicants may download application materials from this site, or contact the project coordinator to request a mailed copy. Step 2- The selection committee will meet to review application materials. Applicants should be notified of their selection status by May 2, 2009. Step 3- Applicants who are accepted into SMAR2T must register for either the June 13, 2009 or the July 25, 2009 Praxis II specialty area exam. Students in this program must also pass a criminal background check.   I don't meet all of the admission requirements. Should I apply to SMAR2T?   If you do not have a bachelor's degree in science, mathematics, or a related field, a minimum 2.75 overall GPA, or minimum 2.5 content area GPA, it is unlikely that you will be admitted to SMAR2T. We would encourage you to explore other alternative certification programs.   I have a Master's Degree. Are the admission requirements different for me?   No, there is no difference in requirements. Please contact the Project Coordinator if you have specific questions.   Do I have to take the GRE to be admitted?   Yes, the Graduate School requires a graduate exam score on file for all students in a degree program, without exception.   Can I transfer hours from another institution or another degree program?   You can transfer up to 6 hours from another institution, if the hours are approved for your program of study by your advisor.   What is the Praxis II Specialty Area Exam?   The Praxis II Subject Area Exam measures an individual's knowledge of the subjects they will teach, as well as general and subject-specific pedagogical skills and knowledge. In addition to completing the program requirements, recommendation for initial certification in Missouri requires the minimum qualifying score on the Praxis II Specialty Area Exam for a student's major. This exam must be taken during the first summer of a student's program and official scores must be submitted to the College of Education.   Where can I find out more about the Praxis II Specialty Area Exam?   The Praxis II Specialty Area Exam assesses your math or science content knowledge. The Educational Testing Service provides registration information and study bulletins at the following web site, http://www.ets.org/praxis/prxtest.html#prxiiplt   What are the dates and times of the SMAR2T summer classes?   The 2009 Summer session will be held from June 8 - July 31 on the MU campus. You can expect to be in class all day during the summer session, Monday through Friday. You will have two to three hours of homework each night. There will also be a mandatory SMAR2T Orientation Meeting on June 4 and 5, 2009. You will earn 11 credit hours during the summer.     When are the academic year classes held?   The exact dates and times for Fall and Winter classes have not been determined. However, many of them will be delivered in alternative formats-online, videoconference, evenings, weekends, etc. Check the SMAR2T web site for course listings.   What will be my time commitment to the program during the fall and winter semesters?   Alternative Certification Program (ALT)- Most high schools and middle schools have class from 8:00 - 3:00. As a full-time teacher, you would also have commitments that extend beyond the student's day, such as lesson planning and grading time, faculty meetings, supervision of extracurricular activities, etc. In addition to teaching, you would take 5 credit hours during the fall semester and 5 to 8 credit hours in the winter semester. Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Program (APB)- The APB students will complete a one-year internship with a mentor teacher. You will be in the classroom 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. You will also have commitments which extend beyond this instruction time, such as lesson planning and grading time, faculty meetings, supervision of extracurricular activities, etc. In addition to your internship, you would take 8 - 10 credit hours during the fall semester and 9 to 12 credit hours during the winter semester.   Will SMAR2T place me in a teaching position?   No, SMAR2T will not place you in a teaching position. It is your responsibility to seek employment. For more information on available teaching positions, contact the Career and Program Support office or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.   Will I earn a degree through SMAR2T?   Yes. Those students who successfully complete the ALT or APB program earn a Master's degree and qualify for Missouri Teacher Certification.   Are there other alternative certification programs available?   Yes. You can access a list of approved alternative certification programs from Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

[ People ]     [ SMAR2T Programs ]     [ Partner Districts ]     Resources      [ Prospective Students ]     [ Current Students ]     [ Project Staff ]     [ Home ]

SMAR2T: Science and Mathematics Academy for the Recruitment and Retention of Teachers This page was last updated on Wednesday, February 4, 2009. Suggestions are always welcome. Please send them to Webmaster.