Troops to Teachers - Alabama

The Alabama Department of Education

 One of the first steps in obtaining teacher certification in Alabama is to review the information found on the Alabama Department of Education web site at Alabama Department of Education .

Use the “Teach in Alabama / Teacher Certification” link found on the left side of the page. It will provide additional information on teacher education, certification and employment in Alabama.

Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP)

 All new teachers certifying in Alabama must complete the requirements of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP).  There are two parts to the APTTP assessments. The two exams are the Basic Skills Exams and the Praxis II subject content area assessment.

The Basic Skills Assessment is normally taken prior to the Praxis II subject content assessment. The Basic Skills Assessment is approximately 3.5 hours long. It includes separate exams in general knowledge math, reading comprehension and writing. The cost of the Basic Skills Exams for first time testers is $93. The APTTP web site is APTTP

The Praxis II subject content assessment is the second part of the APTTP requirement. It is a subject specific assessment designed to evaluate the specific subject area in which you intend to certify and teach. The cost of these exams will vary, but generally will cost less than $150. Depending on which exam is taken, it could take up to 4 hours to complete.  The web site for the Alabama Praxis II exam is Praxis II Exam.

Study Guides for these assessments can be downloaded as part of the online registration process or by contacting the APTTP Application Department at (800) 294-2105 or (319) 341-2500.

 For more information on the APTTP go to APTTP Registration Bulletin  and download a copy of the   “BASIC SKILLS ASSESSMENTS REGISTRATION BULLETIN. “

 Alabama Certification Information

For general information on Alabama teacher certification go to Alabama Certification. A list of Alabama Universities Offering Alternative Class A Certification Programs can be found at Teacher Education & Certification Publications

Substitute Teaching

As with any profession, networking your skills and talents is essential to finding a teaching position. Many Troops to Teachers candidates have found working as a substitute teacher to be an excellent way to network in a school district. To become a substitute teacher simply go to your local board of education and request a substitute teacher application. While individual school systems my increase the requirements for substitute teachers in their individual school system, generally speaking the state standard is to have a high school diploma (or GED) and complete a background check. The process is fairly simple and it is a great way to get experience in the classroom. Once you have met the Basic Skills and Praxis II subject content assessment requirements and proven yourself in the classroom as a substitute teacher, there are a number of things a school system can do to assist you in the employment process.

Alabama Teacher Vacancies and Teacher Job Fairs

Alabama’s official website where school systems post their teacher vacancies is Alabama Teacher Vacancies; It will prove to be a valuable tool in your employment search and most Alabama school systems post their job vacancies there. We recommend that you also review the postings which may appear on the individual school systems separate web site.

Go to Alabama Teacher Job Fairs for a list of upcoming teacher job fairs in Alabama.