AKT2 Overview

The Alaska Transition to Teaching (AKT2) program offers an alternative route to secondary teacher certification in Alaska. AKT2 is recruiting individuals from Alaska and across the country who hold a bachelor’s degree such as recent college graduates, highly qualified mid-career professionals, education paraprofessionals, and former military personnel. This teacher certification program will prepare candidates that are accepted into the program to become teachers in rural high-needs schools in AKT2’s 15 partner districts.

AKT2 allows candidates to transition into teaching without the typical hardship and expense of leaving the paid workforce. Many traditional certification pathways involve heavy tuition fees, take up to a year or more of pre-service coursework, and are designed so that the student is unable to work during their teacher preparation. Additionally, in most traditional teacher certification pathways, the candidate does not know whether they will be successful in obtaining a teaching position upon finishing with the program. As an alternative certification program, AKT2 distinguishes itself from traditional certification programs by offering candidates the opportunity to complete most of their pre-service preparation and to try to obtain a teaching position while still holding their current job.

All AKT2 candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in an endorsable area. In past years there has been a lower need for teachers outside the core content areas of English, mathematics, and science. In order to make themselves more marketable to AKT2's partner districts, individuals wishing to teach in areas like social studies, history, business, art, and music are encouraged to pass Praxis II assessments in areas of higher need before the spring hiring season begins.

After applying and attending the January Invitational Interview and Screening in Anchorage, Alaska, successful applicants are accepted into the AKT2 program in late January and immediately begin their pre-service preparation while remaining in their home community. During the late winter and early spring, candidates will participate in online learning through video instruction, forums, and webinars as well as make classroom observations in their local community. During this time, they must also pass as least one Praxis II test in a core academic subject which will lead to establishing a Highly Qualified designation. Additionally, candidates will begin seeking a secondary teaching position in a partner district for the following school year. Candidates are responsible for obtaining their own teaching position.

Beginning in late May, candidates participate in a six-week pre-service field experience on-site in Anchorage, Alaska, which includes a classroom internship with a host teacher, more pedagogical instruction and practice, and a cultural workshop. In the past, many candidates have already received an offer for a teaching position prior to this event, but some don’t secure a position until June or July, and some receive no offer. Those who successfully complete all pre-service activities but who have been unable to secure a teaching position will be eligible to apply for teaching positions for one more school year.

After successfully completing all pre-service activities, candidates with teaching positions will apply for an Initial Teacher Certificate and in August will begin teaching in their own classroom where they will earn a beginning teacher’s salary and benefits, including health care and retirement benefits.

While teaching in a partner district for two years, the candidate will also be responsible for continuing with their professional development through activities such as completion of the Individual Teacher Plan (ITP), webinars, journaling, site observations, and a final portfolio.  During this time the candidate will have support and guidance from AKT2 staff, Alaska Statewide Mentor Project (ASMP) mentors, and Professional Learning Community (PLC) participants. 

During the second year of teaching, AKT2 candidates may also choose to complete the two courses necessary to obtain a Professional Teacher Certificate in Alaska, if the candidate wishes to continue teaching after completing the AKT2 program.

Timeline for AKT2 Program
The Alaska Transition to Teaching program consists of six phases:

• Phase I: Pre-application
• Phase II: Application and Invitational Screening and Interview
• Phase III: Spring Online Pre-Service Learning
• Phase IV: Summer Field Experience and Cultural Workshop
• Phase V: Teacher of Record
• Phase VI: Final Evaluation