ABCTE to Host 17 Events to Jumpstart Math & Science Teacher Recruitment Initiative – Project 5,000

WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire/ — With America facing unprecedented teacher shortages in math and science, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) today announced the launch of Project 5,000, a new initiative to recruit and certify 5,000 new math and science teachers by 2009.

To kick off this initiative, ABCTE is hosting seventeen “Become a Math or Science Teacher” events in Florida, Idaho, Utah and New Hampshire to spread the word about ABCTE’s certification program for career changers, Passport to Teaching.

At the “Become a Math or Science Teacher” events, career changers can participate in informational presentations and meet with ABCTE certification counselors to learn more about teacher certification options. The events are free, and individuals can register to attend at http://www.abcte.org/.

With new certifications in chemistry and physics in addition to current certifications in math, general science, and biology, ABCTE is recruiting teachers for some of the highest need subject areas.

According to the National Science Board, America’s classrooms need 240,000 math and science teachers over the next decade. In his State of the Union Address President Bush called for math and science professionals to teach in America’s classrooms.

Currently, 30% of candidates enrolled in ABCTE’s alternative teacher certification program, Passport to Teaching, are pursuing certification in secondary math or science. ABCTE has recruited engineers, scientists, mathematicians, economists and a variety of business professionals to change careers and become teachers.

“Project 5,000 is crucial in order to meet the national need for math and science teachers and to meet the needs of school districts across the country,” said ABCTE President David Saba.

ABCTE works with school districts and organizations to recruit teachers at no cost to the state or school district. Since April 2005, ABCTE has held thirty “Become a Teacher” information sessions — totaling 3,000 attendees interested in learning more about earning certification.

Candidates for Passport to Teaching certification must demonstrate mastery on examinations of subject area and professional teaching knowledge. Individuals with bachelor’s degrees can prepare for certification on their own time and at their own pace, using preparation materials available from a variety of sources. No additional college courses are required.

                            ABCTE Certifications    Math (6-12)                             English (6-12)   General Science (6-12)                  Elementary education (K-6)   Biology (6-12)                          Special education (K-6)   Physics (6-12)                          Reading endorsement (K-6)   Chemistry (6-12)                        *Reading endorsement is for                                            certified elementary teachers    

Passport to Teaching is recognized as a route to state certification in Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Utah. Many charter and private schools nationwide also recognize the certification, which is offered in a variety of subject areas. Availability of certification areas and requirements vary by state.

For a list of events, or to register to attend an information session, visit http://www.abcte.org/events or call 1-877-669-2888.

The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence is non-profit organization, dedicated to recruiting, certifying and supplying excellent teachers essential for student success. ABCTE offers the Passport to Teaching program — an innovative alternative route to teacher certification for highly knowledgeable individuals who want to change careers and become teachers. ABCTE is currently developing Master Teacher, an advanced credential for teachers who advance student learning. For more information about ABCTE, please visit http://www.abcte.org/.

   For more information, please contact:   Colleen Corliss, Press Secretary   Phone: 202-261-2636   Email: ccorliss@abcte.org  

American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence

CONTACT: Colleen Corliss, Press Secretary of American Board forCertification of Teacher Excellence, +1-202-261-2636, Mobile:+1-857-891-2912 (media only), ccorliss@abcte.org

Web site: http://www.abcte.org/