Lauren Fulcher
Alternative Certification Student
It’s hard to even put into words how grateful I am to be a part of the UD Alternative
Teacher Certification program. I left a 6-year career in marketing to pursue my lifelong
dream of becoming an elementary teacher and to say I was nervous is an understatement.
After researching many options to complete my post-baccalaureate certification, I
met with the incredible faculty at UD and knew instantly it would be the best support
system to achieve this dream of mine. They have helped me every single step of the
way to ensure I feel confident in my abilities as a teacher. The one-on-one guidance
has been invaluable, especially since I came from a marketing background with no teaching
experience. They have encouraged me to tap into my unique skills and strengths and
channel them into my methods of teaching. And one of my favorite parts of the program
is how I am also able to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching at the same time. The
Alternative Teacher Certification program is challenging in all the right ways because
every single aspect of the program is built to make you a better teacher. I know my
future students are going to benefit just as much as I am because of this experience.
Dr. Carmen Newstreet
Associate Professor of Education
It is both challenging and rewarding to work with our Alternative Teacher Certification
candidates. Our future state-certified teachers present unique skill sets and a deep
desire to hone their professional practice to ever higher standards. They are always
bright and inquisitive, pushing their professors in class to meet their needs and
challenging us to maintain increasingly high standards. The opportunity to assist
them along this special journey is a joy, which increases our own appreciation of
the wonder and beauty based in our liberal education, further communicated in the
UD teacher education program.
Dr. Yoshiaki Nakazawa
Assistant Professor of Education
We are excited to work with you and help you pursue your professional and personal goals
in becoming an excellent teacher. The program offers courses that are designed to
provide the skills, knowledge, and in-school experience to become a teacher who can
teach effectively and reflect deeply about the ways in which education can improve
our society. What I really like about our program is that while the students can gain
the practical knowledge and experience required for a career in teaching, they are
also initiated into a global conversation--a dialogue that goes back over 2000 years
about the ways that education can change individuals, communities, and societies for
the better.