Ready to Teach- FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Ready to Teach Program?

The Howard University Ready To Teach Program (RtT) is a federally funded alternative and accelerated teacher certification program targeting recent college graduates, career changers, ethnic minorities, and males for teaching careers. RtT seeks to address teacher shortages in core academic subjects to include English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Special Education in partner school districts in Chicago (Illinois); Clayton County (Georgia); Prince Georges County (Maryland); Washington (DC) and Houston (Texas). The program specifically targets those who have previously earned a Bachelor’s Degree and now seek to make a career transition into the teaching profession.

What is the philosophy of the Ready to Teach Program?

The mission of the Ready to Teach Program is to diversify the nation’s teaching force through the recruitment, preparation and retention of underrepresented populations from urban communities, particularly African American males. The program focuses on training Program participants in culturally relevant teaching skills and community development as well as content knowledge and pedagogical expertise.

Who is eligible to apply to the Ready to Teach Program?

Individuals who have a Bachelor’s Degree (with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited institution of higher education (with appropriate coursework) are eligible. The program also requires that candidates take and submit passing scores on the Praxis I and Praxis II (Content) exams. Candidates should also have a desire to teach in a high need school (i.e. urban public school). The RtT program requires a three year commitment to teach in a high need school.

I have an undergraduate degree in something other than education? Is it acceptable that I haven’t had any education courses?

Yes. The Ready to Teach Program is targeted to those who do not have any formal training in the education field. If you are interested in teaching and receiving your certificate, you will generally pursue elementary or secondary certification in the content area of your undergraduate degree. The graduate courses will generally focus on the different issues of education that are required for certification and not on specific content areas.

How are students selected for your programs?

The Ready to Teach Program utilizes a holistic analysis of student academic records, backgrounds, and experiences. Teacher candidates are asked to demonstrate or document their abilities, experience and commitment in the application process to confirm their eligibility. See specific program information for details.

What does the Ready to Teach program consist of?

The RtT program consists of:

Three week summer institute held at Howard University
Face to face training sessions
Distance learning (online courses)
Professional development
Classroom observations
Mentorships
Fall/Spring Mid Semester courses at Howard University

Do the summer classes have to be taken on campus at Howard University?

Yes, the 3 weeks of summer classes meet on Howard University’s campus in July. The cost of travel and housing are covered by the program.

Is campus housing available fro the 3 week summer session?

We have arranged for all Program participants to be housed on campus.

When are applications due?

There is no deadline for submitting applications for the Cohort program. Please note that candidates must provide evidence of passing both the Praxis I Pre Professional Skills Tests (Mathematics, Reading, and Writing) and Praxis II applicable subject matter test (Content) required by the state for certification in the intended teaching endorsement area.

How do I get more information about the program?

First check the website: www. ReadytoTeach.org

If your question is not answered there, contact our office:

Ready to Teach Program
Howard University
Bldg 25 ASA
2441 4th St NW #204
Washington, DC 20059
(202) 806-6500
readytoteach.hu@gmail.com

What is the difference between the degree track and the non degree track?

The primary difference between the degree track and the non degree track is whether or not you are a degree-seeking student (that is to say, whether or not you will be entitled to walk in a graduate ceremony and receive a Masters Degree in Education after finishing your last course). Non degree track students are simply taking courses required for their teacher certification. This is similar to what some programs call a “Student at Large”. Non degree track students will complete 18-21 hours of study. Degree track students will complete 36-39 hours of study which will culminate with a Masters Degree in Education.

Please note that generally the cost for participation for non degree students is lower than for degree students. Conversely non degree students are much more restricted in their financial aid eligibility than degree students.

What are the advantages of the non degree track?

The non degree track reduces the out of pocket costs of the participant. Additionally, the non degree track gives you the option of completing half of your coursework through online modules.

What content areas can I be certified in as a participant in the Ready to Teach Program?

The RtT program provides an accelerated route to certification in the following content areas:

English
Mathematics
Reading
Science
Special Education

What kind of courses in my undergraduate transcript will I need to prepare for this program?

You will need either a major in the content area that you desire to teach or have the equivalent number of hours in a related subject (pre-approved to be certified in your proposed content area. All prospective applicants for the RtT program must submit official transcripts for a transcript analysis.

How long does the Ready to Teach program take?

One year (Summer, Fall, Spring) semesters are required to successfully complete the program.

What kind of teaching certificate will I earn?

Upon successful completion of all RtT program requirements, you will be eligible for secondary (6-12) teaching certification in one of the following content areas:

English
Mathematics
Science
Or K-12 teaching certification in one of the following content areas:
1. Reading
2. Special Education

Do I have to move to Washington, DC to participate in the program?

No. RtT program participants are required to participate in a three week summer institute that is held in July at Howard University in Washington, DC. The summer institutes provide required coursework, mentoring, and enrichment activities for participants. Participants are provided lodging and meals on the campus of Howard University. Travel expenses are reimbursed according to the guidelines set forth by Howard University and the funding agency.

Participants are also required to attend two separate three day mid-semester sessions held during the Fall and Spring semesters at Howard University. Travel expenses are reimbursed according to the guidelines set forth by Howard University and the funding agency.

Other required coursework is delivered online through Howard University’s distance learning services.

Will I be certified to teach in states other than the District of Columbia?

Yes. The District of Columbia, through the Interstate Agreement developed by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), has reciprocal agreements with 43 other states. Most reciprocal agreements allow you to teach in that state for at least one year, during which time you can be working on completing whatever additional coursework or tests required for that state’s teaching license. Individual state jurisdictions determine specific courses and tests necessary for full licensure.

Which school districts participate as program partners?

RtT program partners include:

Clayton County, Georgia Public Schools
Chicago, IL Public Schools
Northwest Preparatory Academy Charter School in Houston, Texas
Prince George’s County, Maryland Public Schools
The Howard University Public Charter School for Mathematics and Science (MS2) in Washington, DC

What kind of a teaching commitment do I have to make upon completion of the Ready to Teach program?

Ready to Teach participants make a three-year commitment to teach in a high need (i.e. urban public) school setting.

At what grade levels and in what subjects does the Ready to Teach Program prepare candidates to teach?

Ready to Teach program prepares candidates to teach at various levels in the public school system. Specifically, the Ready to Teach Program prepares candidates to teach in
grades K-12: Special Education and Reading. In addition to the Ready to Teach Program prepares candidates to teach at the secondary level (6-12) in English, Science and Math.

What if I have taken all the course work I would need for licensure, and all I need is to complete student teaching, would the Ready to Teach Program sponsor me for student teaching?

No. The only individuals that the Ready to Teach Program sponsors for licensure are those candidates who are admitted into the Ready to Teach Program and who complete all program requirements.

Are the Ready to Teach program participants eligible to receive scholarships and other forms of financial aid?

All RtT participants that are eligible will receive $5,000 in scholarships to help defer the costs of tuition. Other scholarships and financial aid may also be available to pay for coursework. Please note that you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for additional forms of financial aid.

What are the admission requirements to apply for the Ready to Teach Program?

The requirements to enroll in the RtT program are listed below.

Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Major in the content area in which you propose to teach or required course work in the content area as determined by an official transcript analysis
Official transcript(s)
2.7 grade point average or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
Successful completion of the Praxis I (Mathematics, Reading, and Writing) and PRAXIS II (Content only) exams
Three letters of recommendation
Letter of Intent (1 Page)
Autobiographical Sketch (1 Page)

Where can I find more information about the PRAXIS I and II examinations?

The PRAXIS I and II assessments are used by states and teacher education programs as part of their teaching licensing certification process. The Praxis I tests measure basic academic skills, and the Praxis II tests measure general and subject-specific knowledge and teaching skills.

More information about the PRAXIS I and II assessments can be found on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Web site at http://www.ets.org.

How do I apply to the Ready to Teach Program?

To apply, please contact the Ready to Teach Program at HUReadytoTeach@gmail.com.

When is the deadline to apply for admission?

There is no deadline to apply.

How can I learn more?

For more information, you may visit the web site of the Ready to Teach program at http://www.readytoteach.org or contact the Ready to Teach Office at 202-806-6500 or HUReadytoTeach@gmail.com.

If my undergraduate Degree was in Education am I eligible for the Ready to Teach Program?

No. The Ready to Teach Program is designed for individuals who have no background in education and are committed to transitioning into teaching.

If I’ve taught in a school system previously am I eligible for the Ready to Teach Program?

No. The Ready to Teach Program is designed for individuals who have no background in education and are committed to transitioning into teaching.