A Comparison of Three Teacher Preparation Programs in Terms of Their Impact on Teacher Competencies

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of three teacher education programs in terms of their impact on teacher competencies. The programs include a traditional 4-year teacher certification program, an alternative certification-based master of arts in teaching program, and an alternative certification program without the master degree option. The teachers held positive views of the impact of the programs on their teaching competencies, with no significant difference found among the programs or between program candidates and completers. The teachers' employers favorably rated their teachers' competencies. The highest ratings were given to alternative certification completers, and the lowest, to alternative certification candidates. Implications of the study are discussed.