The good news is that you don’t need to follow the traditional route of earning a four-year degree in education to become a teacher. Through alternative teacher certification programs, like the ones offered by Southern Nazarene University (SNU), aspiring teachers can quickly enter the classroom, start a rewarding career, and make a difference.
Teaching offers a chance to make a profound difference in the lives of students and their families. Teachers inspire a love of learning in young minds. They also support students who face extra challenges. Teachers play a key role in shaping the future.
Traditional teachers and special education teachers alike have the power to change the trajectory of a student’s life. For instance, teachers who work with students with disabilities or those who require specialized support play a crucial role in providing the resources, attention, and encouragement that these students need to succeed. Special education teachers create learning environments where every student, regardless of their challenges, can thrive.
The emotional rewards of teaching are immense. Watching students grow, overcome obstacles, and succeed is deeply fulfilling. Whether it’s seeing a student grasp a difficult concept for the first time or watching a student who struggles academically begin to build confidence, the impact of teaching extends far beyond the classroom. Teachers often form lasting relationships with their students, creating a network of support that extends to families and communities as well.
SNU’s Alternative Certification (Alt. Cert.) program provides an accessible and flexible path for individuals who want to become educators without having to return to school for an additional four-year degree. Whether you are making a change after many years in your career or are a recent college graduate, SNU’s alt. cert. programs offer an accelerated and structured path to becoming a certified teacher in K-12 settings, including elementary, middle, and high school.
The Alt. Cert. program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject area, and it’s especially ideal for those who want to teach without going back to school for another lengthy degree program. Through the Alt. Cert. program, you’ll complete the necessary certification courses while gaining real-world experience while you study. This allows you to begin teaching right away while you earn your credentials and make a difference in the lives of students.
The program provides a supportive learning environment with guidance from experienced educators who are committed to helping you succeed. SNU’s faculty and advisors offer personalized support as you complete your certification, ensuring that you’re equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the classroom.
For those interested in teaching subjects like math, science, or special education, SNU also offers tailored certification tracks to ensure you’re prepared for the specific demands of your chosen field.
One area of the teacher shortage that’s particularly critical is special education. Teachers who work in special education classrooms provide essential services to students with disabilities and learning challenges. These educators are not just teachers—they are advocates, mentors, and supporters, helping students find success in a way that’s tailored to their individual needs.
"I have worked with special education students and/or teachers for over 30+ years. I have never regretted my career choice,” says Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education (MAASE) Program Director Dr. Lynnette Thompson. “The most rewarding times are when students or families reach out to you to let you know how you made a difference in their lives. You have the power to change the trajectory of a student's or family's life, and it is one of the greatest gifts of all."
SNU offers an Alternative Certification program specifically for those interested in pursuing a career in special education. This program allows you to earn your certification and, in many cases, a Master’s degree in Special Education while you work as a teacher in the classroom. This dual approach ensures that you’re not only gaining practical experience but also acquiring the theoretical knowledge needed to serve your students effectively.
In addition to the hands-on learning experience, the special education certification program at SNU offers access to loan forgiveness opportunities. For those who are willing to work in areas with high need, these programs can significantly reduce the financial burden of your education, allowing you to focus more on your students and less on student loan debt.
Special education teachers are in high demand across the country, and many districts are offering incentives like higher pay, signing bonuses, and support for additional training. By pursuing a career in special education, you can make a direct and lasting impact on students who truly need your expertise and care.
When you become a teacher, you’re becoming a mentor, a role model, and a source of support for your students. The rewards of teaching go beyond just the paychecks and the summers off. Every day in the classroom offers an opportunity to inspire, guide, and challenge students to be their best selves.
Teaching can also provide flexibility and job security, especially in a time when qualified teachers are in short supply. Many school districts are offering incentives and competitive salaries to attract qualified educators. Additionally, teaching offers an excellent work-life balance, with holidays, summers, and weekends off to recharge.
For those in alternative certification programs, becoming a teacher offers a chance to change lives—both your own and the lives of the students you teach. Whether you’re making a career switch or just starting out, the opportunity to become a teacher and have a positive impact on your community has never been more accessible.
The national teacher shortage presents a unique opportunity for those interested in becoming educators. Whether you're interested in a traditional classroom setting or want to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs, Southern Nazarene University’s Alternative Certification programs provide a pathway to a fulfilling, impactful career.
Teachers are essential to the growth and development of the next generation. By choosing to become a teacher, you’re not just joining a profession; you’re joining a community of passionate, dedicated individuals who make a real difference every day. With the support of programs like those offered at SNU, there’s no better time to begin your journey as a teacher. So why wait? Your future as an educator starts today. It's the time to begin!