Alternative Licensure Program
The Alternative Licensing Program (ALP) is designed to validate the teacher performance of current Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) and Hawaii State Public Charter School (HIPCS) employees who do not have but would like to obtain an initial teacher license. The program validates that a candidate's teaching proficiency is at or above the levels of the Teacher Performance and Licensing Standards as outlined by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). Candidates are expected to be recommended for licensure with the State of Hawaii at the end of a 16-week observation period, with extensions considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a HIDOE or HIPCS classroom setting. (long-term sub, emergency hire, educational assistant, part-time teacher, etc.) OR have the opportunity to be hired within the HIDOE or HIPCS in a position. (long-term sub, emergency hire, educational assistant, part-time teacher, etc.)
The following are required for application to the Alternative Licensure Program:
- ALP Application form.
- Official transcripts from all higher education attended.
- A letter from the school principal/administrator verifying current or potential employment within the HIDOE or HIPCS.
The Alternative Licensing Program is completed in two phases.
- Pre-Observation Phase:
- Candidates complete documentation to meet BYUH, HTSB, HIDOE, and HIPCS requirements.
- Candidates complete one (1) year of experience in a classroom setting, if needed.
- Observation Phase
- Candidates complete formal observations and assignments related to their teaching in the classroom.
Pre-Observation Phase: Requirements
Before beginning the observation phase, the following must be completed:
- HIDOE or HIPCS employment verification
- The subject area of the classroom where the candidate works must match the licensure being sought.
- Passing PRAXIS II Content Test score (via ETS system)
- Please verify with the ETS: Praxis website to determine which test you must take and see the minimum qualifying score.
- Principal’s recommendation
- At the end of one year of experience in a classroom setting.
- Formal application to BYU–Hawaii
- The BYUH ALP and teacher licensing coordinators will provide instructions and assistance.
Observation Phase: Requirements
Before being recommended for licensure, the following must be completed:
- Five formal observations by a BYUH clinical supervisor.
- Five formal observations by a school administrator or designee.
- Weekly session or journal
- Midterm evaluation
- Final evaluation
- Performance standards portfolio
- Program finalization meeting to review program requirements to be held at the ALP student’s school site.
- Additional requirements may be added if needed.
Principal’s Recommendation
A principal’s recommendation is required at the end of one year of experience in a classroom setting, before the observation phase. If the principal rescinds their recommendation at any time during the observation phase, the candidate will be discontinued from the program, effective immediately.
Neighboring Islands
ALP candidates located on islands other than Oahu will be responsible for the travel costs (airfare, car rental) for one BYUH representative for both the program orientation and program finalization meetings.
Tuition
There is no tuition requirement during the pre-observation phase. Candidates are responsible for tuition during the observation phase. This amounts to 12 credits during one semester.
Financial Assistance | Scholarships
ALP candidates are not eligible for BYUH-sponsored scholarship money including academic program scholarships and merit scholarships. Candidates may utilize financial aid and scholarship monies external to BYUH including federal financial aid and private scholarships.
BYUH Student Benefits
ALP candidates are not eligible for student benefits specifically provided by BYUH. This includes, but is not limited to housing, scholarship, and medical.
HTSB Permit
ALP candidates must apply for and hold the appropriate permit from the HTSB relevant to their position in a HIDOE of HIPCS school.
HTSB Licensing
The subject area of the classroom in which the candidate is working must match the licensure being sought. Additionally, all requirements and financial obligations must be completed before a candidate will be recommended by BYUH for teacher licensing to the HTSB.
Leave of Absences
Leave of absence is not permitted in the Alternative Licensure Program. Candidates who discontinue will be required to reapply for admission.
