Introduction You’ve thought about teaching. You’ve imagined standing in front of a classroom—guiding, inspiring, helping students believe in themselves. And in that quiet moment of possibility, something inside you lights up. You picture the impact you could make, the lives you could change, the meaning your work could hold. But then the what-ifs rush in. What if I’m not qualified? What if I can’t pass the exams? What if I can’t afford to start over? What if it’s too late? Suddenly, that spark dims. You push the thought aside. Maybe later. Maybe someday. Maybe never. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Considering a major career shift—especially one as impactful and personal as teaching—naturally brings up fear. That fear is human. It’s normal. It’s part of the process. But here’s the truth: Most of the fears holding you back are fueled by myths, not reality. Misconceptions about who can become a teacher , what the process requires, and how difficult t...
Are you thinking, “How do I become a teacher?” Maybe you’re a career-changer, someone with a bachelor’s degree in another field, or simply someone who’s passionate about making a difference in the classroom. If so, the alternative route via the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) might be the right path for you. In this post we’ll break down exactly what you’ll invest (costs), how long it takes (time), and what commitment is required (effort) to pursue teacher licensure online through the American Board pathway. Why choose this route? Before we dive into cost and time, it’s helpful to understand why this option exists. Traditional teacher preparation often involves returning to a university education program, completing pedagogy courses, student-teaching, and so on. The American Board alternative teacher certification program is tailored for professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching without the full tra...