Teacher Education Conversion Programs (TECP)

Considering a career change?

Interested in becoming a teacher?

Preparing Future Teachers of mathematics, science and special education with NHTI's new innovative Teacher Education Conversion Programs!

NHTI, Concord's Community College in Concord (NHTI) is a public community technical college serving students, businesses, and the community by providing excellent academic, technical, and professional education. NHTI is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

What are Teacher Education Conversion Programs?

Program Overview

NHTI has developed two programs, approved by the NH State Board of Education, to help to meet the critical shortage of teachers in our state:

1. The Teacher Education Conversion Programs (TECP) are designed to attract career changers into Mathematics or Science Teaching;

2. The General Special Education Conversion Program is designed for candidates who already hold a teaching certification and are interested in adding a general special education endorsement.

Mission

The mission of the NHTI Education Department is to provide a challenging and supportive environment for candidates for the development of knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to be effective educators. Candidates learn strategies for effective teaching of all learners and the incorporation of cutting edge instructional technology through a variety of classroom and field experiences.

The NHTI education programs are distinguished by three themes: best practice technology integration; use of reflective practice; and knowledge of teaching all learners in the diverse classrooms of today.

Program Competencies

1. Content Knowledge
   The candidate
   1. demonstrates content area knowledge through portfolio documentation of major coursework/life and/or teaching experience
2. Pedagogy
   The candidate demonstrates knowledge of
   1. learning theory
   2. methods/instructional strategies
   3. infusion of technology
   4. universal design in planning
   5. classroom management
   6. behavior management
   7. planning, assessment, and implementation of instruction
3. Knowledge of Learners
   The candidate demonstrates knowledge of
   1. human growth and development
   2. diversity and cultural competency
   3. exceptionalities
4. Knowledge of Self as Teacher and Learner
   The candidate is a
   1. creator of an environment of rapport and respect and establishes a learning community
   2. reflective practitioner
   3. researcher
   4. life long learner
5. Teacher as Leader
   The candidate
   1. is an ethical decision maker
   2. networks with the professional community
   3. is goal-oriented, and demonstrates leadership and professionalism
6. Knowledge of Schools as a System
   The candidate demonstrates knowledge of and involvement in
   1. school boards
   2. community
   3. volunteering and/or coaching
   4. service learning

Admission Requirements for Both Programs

1. These are not degree programs; candidates must hold a Baccalaureate and/or Master's Degree.
2. Candidates must complete and submit a TECP application (Download and Print PDF or Request Application be Mailed), a $10.00 application fee and official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended, current resume and two letters of recommendation (Download and Print PDF or Request Recommendation Form be Mailed).
3. Candidates must participate in an interview with NHTI Education Department Faculty;

See program specific requirements below.

Teacher Certification in Mathematics or Science

Program Goals

The goals of the Teacher Education Conversion Program are to prepare the candidate to bring to the middle or secondary classroom the knowledge, skills, expertise, innovation, and enthusiasm necessary to succeed as a teacher; to ensure that candidates are afforded opportunities for observation, exploration, and reflection both in and outside the classroom; to apply his/her content expertise and pedagogical principles in the assessment of learning in a student teaching experience.

The Teacher Education Conversion programs are post-baccalaureate programs in which candidates can expect to learn through integrated fieldwork and courses in the following areas:

• Introduction to Exceptionalities
• Supporting Students with Challenging Behavior
• Foundations of Education
• Assessment
• Legal Issues in Education
• Instructional Technology
• Teaching and Learning Process
• Design of Instruction
• Content Methods and Student Teaching (Mathematics or Science)

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
TECP 50	Introduction to Exceptionalities	3
TECP 51	Foundations of Education	3
TECP 60	Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviors	4
TECP 61	Legal Issues in Education	3
TECP 63	Instructional Technology	3
TECP 64	Teaching and Learning Process	3
TECP 65	Design of Instruction	3
TECP 80	Methods/Student Teaching for Middle/Secondary School Mathematics or
TECP 81	Methods/Student Teaching for Middle/Secondary School Science	10
TOTAL CREDITS		32

The NHTI TECP offers certification in the following endorsement areas:

Endorsement Area	Certification Levels
Biology	grades 7 - 12
Chemistry	grades 7 - 12
General Science	grades 5 - 12
Earth Science	grades 7 - 12
Mathematics	grades 5 - 8, 7 - 12
Physical Science	grades 7 - 12
Physics	grades 7 - 12

After successful completion of the program, candidates are recommended to the NH State Department of Education - Bureau of Credentialing for teacher certification.

Specific Admission Requirements

1. Candidates must hold a Baccalaureate, and/or Master's Degree in Science or Math
2. These candidates demonstrate the mastery of all competencies required by the program through the successful completion of coursework, field work, student teaching, and portfolio development.
3. Candidates must successfully pass the PRAXIS I (PPST) tests and the PRAXIS II in their specific content area.
4. The candidate must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.75.
5. A criminal record check will be required for working in the schools.
6. Included in the application process, the candidate will complete the checklist for content standards to identify areas of competency.

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General Special Education Certification Program

Program Goals

The goals of the General Special Education Conversion Program are to prepare the candidate to bring to K-12 classrooms the knowledge, skills, expertise, innovation, and enthusiasm necessary to succeed as a teacher; to ensure the candidate is afforded opportunities for observation, exploration, and reflection both in and outside the classroom; to apply his/her content expertise and pedagogical principles in the assessment of learning in a practicum experience teaching students with diverse learning needs.

Candidates in this program can expect to learn through integrated fieldwork and courses in the following areas:

• Introduction to Exceptionalities
• Supporting Students with Challenging Behavior
• Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learners
• Instructional Technology
• Special Education Assessment
• Consultation, Collaboration, IEP’s and the Law
• Practicum Experience

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
TECP 50	Introduction to Exceptionalities	3
TECP 60	Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviors	4
TECP 62	Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learners	3
TECP 63	Instructional Technology	3
TECP 70	Special Education Assessment	3
TECP 71	Consultation/Collaboration and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)	3
TECP 82	Practicum Experience in General Special Education	6
TOTAL CREDITS		25

After successful completion of the program, candidates are recommended to the NH State Department of Education - Bureau of Credentialing for General Special Education certification.

Specific Admission Requirements

1. Candidates must hold Teacher Certification
2. Candidates must demonstrate the mastery of all competencies required by the program through the successful completion of coursework, field work, practicum, and portfolio development.
3. Candidates must successfully pass the PRAXIS I (PPST) tests, if applicable. In addition, the candidate must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.75.
4. A criminal record check will be required for working in the schools. During the interview, the Director of the Conversion Programs will discuss the requirements for Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) with regard to special education teachers.

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Revised July 20, 2007