Saint Martin's Sets Information Session for Alternative Teacher Certification Program

Nov. 1, 2004

Lacey, Wash. – Saint Martin’s College is offering information sessions on the Secondary Teacher Alternate Route (STAR) Program at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. The meetings, geared toward people interested in an intensive alternative route to become a secondary school teacher in Washington, will be at the college’s Worthington Conference Center, 5300 Pacific Ave. S.E.

The STAR Program is designed for people who already have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and have five years of professionally oriented work experience, said education faculty member Ann Gentle, Ph.D., the program’s coordinator. The one-year program includes the classes and internship necessary to prepare successful participants for Washington State teacher certification. An $8,000 grant or loan is available to those participants who elect to work in a “high needs” academic area. These are teacher shortage areas that are geographically related or subject-related, such as math, science, special education or a foreign language.

Both meetings will cover information about entry requirements, how the program works, the required classes and internships, financial information and teacher certification.

Applications for the program will be accepted beginning Jan. 5 and will be considered in the order received until the program is filled. Participants pursuing special education certification will need to begin classes Jan. 11. Others selected for the program will begin classes July 5.

Further information about the STAR Program is available from the Saint Martin’s College education division, (360) 438-4333, or from Gentle, (360) 438-4566; agentle@stmartin.edu.

For more information:
Ann Gentle, Ph.D.
STAR Program coordinator
360-438-4566; agentle@stmartin.edu

Deanna Partlow
Office of Communication
360-438-4541; dpartlow@stmartin.edu