Expanding Pathways: Inside Teach St. Louis’s Alternative Certification Program
This year, Teach St. Louis launched its Alternative Certification Program, creating a new pathway for educators already leading classrooms in partner schools to earn their initial teaching certification while strengthening their practice.
Ebony Sanders, fifth grade math teacher at Lafayette Prep Academy
Designed to be both rigorous and supportive, the program combines coursework, structured practice, and instructional coaching to ensure teachers are prepared to meet the needs of their students from day one. For participants in the inaugural cohort, that design is already making a meaningful difference in their classrooms.
Learning Through Practice and Support
For Ebony Sanders, a fifth grade math teacher at Lafayette Prep Academy, teaching has always been part of her path. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be in the classroom, and after several years of teaching, she was looking for a program that would better support her growth in that role. The Alternative Certification Program has provided a level of connection and practical learning she had not experienced before.
I actually feel like the people in my cohort and my teachers want to see me succeed. I don’t feel like I’m doing this by myself. - Ebony Sanders
That sense of support is paired with immediate application. Rather than learning theory in isolation, participants apply new strategies directly in their classrooms, with ongoing coaching to reinforce their growth.
Everything that I’m learning in this program, I’m actually using in the classroom. - Ebony Sanders
Adam Mitchell, eighth grade ELA teacher at North Side Community School
Impact in the Classroom
In recent weeks, Ebony has focused on shifting her instruction to allow students to engage more deeply with one another’s thinking. By posing questions and giving students space to discuss, agree, and challenge ideas, she has seen meaningful growth in student engagement.
I can pose a question, sit back and relax, let them feed and learn from each other… the vocabulary that they’re using with each other, the dialogue that they’re using with each other has grown so much. - Ebony Sanders
This type of real-time application is central to the program’s design, helping teachers translate learning into practice in ways that directly benefit students.
A Pathway for Growth
For Adam Mitchell, an eighth grade ELA teacher at North Side Community School, the program offered something he had been seeking for several years. Before entering education, Adam worked across several industries, including television, film, and the golf industry, before finding his way back to working with students through coaching and after-school programs.
I had actually been looking for a program like this for a couple years. - Adam Mitchell
Coming into the classroom through a non-traditional pathway, Adam was looking for a structured way to build his instructional skills while earning certification. He highlighted the value of being exposed to strong instructional foundations and best practices, along with the support of a collaborative cohort.
Anytime I need support… I can always reach out to my cohort. They’ve been very helpful. - Adam Mitchell
A Strong Community and Lasting Impact
While the program requires a significant commitment, participants point to the long-term value of the experience.
If you’re willing to give it that effort and that time, then… the outcome is totally worth it. - Adam Mitchell
Together, these experiences reflect the core goal of the Alternative Certification Program: to ensure that teachers already serving students have access to the preparation, coaching, and community they need to grow in their practice.
By investing in teachers, Teach St. Louis is helping build stronger classrooms across the region and ensuring more students are taught by educators who are prepared, supported, and equipped to help them succeed.
Program Eligibility and Support
To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least one year of teaching experience in a partner school or district, and demonstrate the ability to build a classroom culture that supports student learning. Additional requirements include meeting GPA expectations and passing the required state content assessment for licensure.
The program is offered in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis and leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning. Financial support is available through options such as the federal TEACH Grant and additional tuition assistance opportunities, helping to make the program accessible for participating educators.