Baby Boomers Using Alternative Certification To Launch Teaching Careers

The New York Times (9/16, Olson, Subscription Publication, 950K) reports that many "baby boomers" are "enrolling at community colleges and in state-approved or private programs to convert their professional expertise to the classroom," after having completed their previous careers. "Even the recent public criticism of teachers and cuts in school budgets have not deterred retirees from getting teaching credentials - and finding paying jobs, especially in math, science and special education." Noting that the Department of Education's Teach.gov website "lists each state's alternative certification programs," the Times adds, "'There is an incredible opportunity here for those who are pursuing encore careers,' said Brad Jupp, senior program aide to the education secretary, Arne Duncan, who helped start the site."