Texas Tech is now offering a teacher certification option for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

The program is called RAIDER Teach. (RAIDER = Rapid Access Instructional Degree for Educator Readiness.)

RAIDER Teach is a unique alternative certification program that allows the flexibility of online coursework and the crucial support of a full-time supervisor to guide students through every day of an internship.

With today’s teacher shortages, many school districts are scrambling to find high-quality teachers for all their classrooms. Quite simply, there are not enough teachers graduating from college to meet the demand.

Using the high-quality pedagogy (“how to teach”) classes developed by Texas Tech’s award-winning undergraduate teacher preparation program (Tech Teach), paired with the extensive support offered only by Texas Tech, anyone interested in beginning Summer 2023, who has a bachelor’s degree, can be ready for the classroom as early as fall 2023.

Raider Teach is a unique program providing a fast-track pathway to alternative certification as well as a master’s degree. Students complete pedagogy coursework and a paid internship in the first year, completing 18 hours of the 36-hour master’s degree.

Candidates are then eligible for full teacher certification and can then opt to complete the remaining 18 hours of the master’s degree through online coursework.

“This is the best of all worlds,” said Michele Hicks, academic advisor for the College of Education. “Students are getting top-notch instruction and supervision, and they get into a classroom quickly in a paid position. We are not cutting corners or sacrificing quality.

“They also have the option to complete the master’s degree if they choose,” she added. “Because the program is part of a graduate degree, students can get financial aid. This is huge. There are grants and scholarships to help with the cost. It’s a win-win for the students and for our local school districts.”

Another benefit of the program will be the extensive certification options that will be available.

Candidates can choose from: • Middle Level (grades 4-8): Math, Science, Social Studies or English.

• Secondary Level (grades 7-12): Math, Science, History, Social Studies, English, Spanish, Chemistry, Biology or Physics.

Persons interested in RAIDER Teach may find information at www.educ.ttu.edu/raider, or contact Michele Hicks at michele. hicks@ttu.edu or by phone by calling (806) 834-4057.