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Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET)

A Teacher Preparation Program for Degree-Holding Professionals Who Wish to Become Teachers

 

Quick Links
  • ACET Program Application Form (PDF, )
    You must submit a program application form and payment in order for your application to be considered.

    As of February 25, 2025 the ACET program will no longer be taking English content applications for the 2025-2026 cohort. Applicants who applied for English before February 25, 2025 will be considered. 

    The application deadline for the 2025 cohorts have closed. We are currently taking applications for the Spring/Summer 2026 cohort. The application deadline for 2026 cohort is January 15, 2026.

  • ACET Program Applicant Information Form (PDF, )
  • ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, )

Ready to Teach? Change Careers with MCPS & 蘑菇视频
蘑菇视频 and MCPS offer a competitive teacher preparation program for career changers looking to teach in high-demand secondary subjects.

Licensing areas:

  • Secondary: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, HS Math, Physics, Tech Ed
  • Middle School: MS Math, MS Science
  • World Languages: French, Spanish (PreK–12 certification)

To Apply, You’ll Need:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0+ GPA
  • Strong subject-area background (coursework, experience, or test scores)
  • Passing new window or new window scores 

Not the right fit? Explore new window.

ACET Program Overview: Prepare, Practice, Teach

The ACET program combines intensive coursework, real-world teaching experience, and strong support to help career changers become certified MCPS teachers.

Teaching Institute

10–12 weeks of evening and weekend classes (Tues–Thurs + some Saturdays) using a blended learning format.
Curriculum includes 8 modules aligned with InTASC standards, covering:

  • Human Development & Learning Theories
  • Secondary Methods & Assessments
  • Diversity & Students with Exceptions
  • Collaboration & Communication

Candidates also complete READ 238: Literacy in the Content Area I, if not previously taken.

Internship
8-week full-time teaching internship in a middle or high school classroom.

  • Week 1: Observation
  • Weeks 2–8: Classroom teaching with feedback from experienced faculty supervisors

Residency
After the internship, candidates interview for paid teaching positions in MCPS.

  • Ongoing mentoring, supervision and required action research seminars throughout the school year.
  • At the end of a successful resident year, candidates earn the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I (Initial Teaching License in Maryland).
How to Apply

Follow these step-by-step directions to apply for the ACET program.

  1. Take Required Tests or Provide Test Scores: You must provide evidence of passing BOTH the Basic Skills Test AND the specified Content Knowledge Test for your teaching area in order to be considered for entry into the ACET program.

    • Basic Skills Requirement: Candidates must document a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on their most recently earned degree OR earn a qualifying score on an  
    •  Content Knowledge Test: 
      • For all certification Areas EXCEPT World Languages: Successfully complete the new window Subject Assessment in your subject area.  These computer-delivered tests are available during specific time windows on a monthly basis. See new window for more details. Be sure to indicate that scores should be sent to 蘑菇视频, recipient code 5422. See the chart below for specific test numbers and names:

        Specific test numbers and names
        To be certified in: Take this Praxis subject assessment: Test Code Qualifying Score
        Middle School Mathematics new window 5164 157
        Middle School Science new window 5442 152
        Biology new window 5236 154
        Chemistry new window 5245 153
        Computer Science  new window 5652 149
        Mathematics new window 5165 159
        Physics new window 5265 143
        Technology Education new window 5051 159

      • For World Languages certification: Successfully complete the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) and the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in your desired language, given through the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (new window). Intermediate high scores or higher on each test are required for qualification. For more information and to schedule testing, go to the . 

  • Classroom visits and observation: Contact us at  ACET@montgomerycollege.edu to be connected to schools for classroom visits and observation (unless you are already an MCPS support staff member in a middle or high school.)  Reflections on these visits (or on your work experiences if you are in MCPS) are a required component of the application.

  • Submit the following electronically to the ACET program as described below:
          - Completed Application Evaluation Registration Form (PDF, ) (unless you have applied previously)
      - Completed ACET Application Form (PDF, ) attaching responses to essay questions provided.
      - Updated resume including employment history and educational background, emphasizing any experience in teaching or work enhancing  your ability to teach adolescents.
       [Note that PDF forms must be downloaded and saved first before being completed electronically, saved and then submitted.]

  • Submit Transcripts: Have official college transcripts sent to the address below (NOT to the MC Admissions Office). Transcripts should include coursework, credit hours, overall GPA, and date of completion of degree. Note: Coursework completed outside the U.S. must first be officially evaluated by one of the . 

  • Submit Professional References: Have two references from former or current employers emailed directly to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu. They must use the ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, ) .

All items should be emailed to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu.
*Note: Interviews require full application packet before scheduling.

We recommend that you keep a copy of all documents for your records. After consideration by the Selection Committee, qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. 

Program Costs

The ACET program currently costs approximately ~ $17,000 for in-state students. For out-of-state costs, please contact the ACET Program directly.
*Note: Billing is semester based, not lump sum.

Detailed information will be posted once available.

Upcoming ACET Information Sessions

Join us for one of our upcoming ACET Information Sessions to learn more about the program, application process, and what to expect.

Session Dates & Times:

  • Tuesday, October 21 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
  • Wednesday, November 5 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
  • Thursday, December 1 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. (via Zoom)

All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom.
The Zoom link will be provided here soon.

Grants and Financial Support Opportunities
240 Tutoring gives Back scholarship!

$1,000 Scholarship - Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity

The 240 Tutoring Team is thrilled to announce the return of the 240 Tutoring Gives Back scholarship! Offering a $1,000 award to an aspiring educator, this scholarship represents our commitment to fostering the future of teaching.

Scholarship Details:

  • Award: $1,000 for one teacher candidate
  • Application Period: Open through January 26, 2024
  • Apply Now: new window

Who Should Apply?
Candidates will need to provide insights into their journey towards becoming a teacher:

  1. For Those Who Have Taken Their Certification Exams: How did you prepare? Your experiences are valuable to future candidates.
  2. For Those Preparing for Exams: What are your strategies? Share your approach with the community.
  3. Teaching Aspirations: Which grade level and subject area are you passionate about? Help us understand your educational goals.

For any inquiries, please get in touch at helpdesk@240tutoring.com. Discover more at new window and explore new window.

new window wants to nurture the next wave of exceptional educators together. MC Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Anne Beusch MFLA World Language Scholarship

For World Language applicants only

Amount $750.00
Application deadline; April 30, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Program Overview

The ACET (Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers) program is a partnership between 蘑菇视频 and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) designed for individuals who wish to change careers and become certified teachers in MCPS secondary schools.

Subject areas vary based on MCPS needs, but typically include:

  • Secondary: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math, Physics, Technology Education
  • Middle School: Math and Science
  • World Languages: French and Spanish (PreK–12 certification)

The instructional portion (Teaching Institute) lasts 10–12 weeks, followed by an 8-week full-time internship and a paid residency year.

Eligibility & Admissions

You must have:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Strong content knowledge in your desired subject area (based on coursework, experience, or test scores)
  • Passing scores on the required Basic Skills and Content Knowledge exams ( or new window)

Yes! ACET is designed for career changers. Prior classroom experience is helpful but not required.

You can still qualify with a minimum 3.0 GPA on your most recently earned degree.

Testing Requirements

  • Basic Skills Test: Qualifying scores on exams like new window Core, new window, new window, new window or GPA of 3.0+ on their most recently earned degree
  • Content Knowledge Test:
    • new window Subject Assessment for all areas except world languages
    • ACTFL OPI and WPT for French and Spanish (Intermediate High score required)
  • new window tests are offered through new window (Educational Testing Service). Visit new window for details.
  • new window exams are administered through the Language Testing International (LTI) website.

Program Structure

A 10–12-week intensive course that meets Tuesday–Thursday evenings and some Saturdays. It covers topics like human development, learning theory, assessments, and diversity, using both in-person and online formats.

Yes. The program includes:

  • An 8-week full-time internship in a middle or high school classroom
  • A residency year in a paid teaching position with full mentoring and support

Certification

After a successful residency year, you will be awarded the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I—Maryland’s Initial Teaching License.

Application Process

Follow these steps:

  1. Take and submit scores for the required tests (Basic Skills + Content Test)
  2. Schedule classroom visits and submit reflection
  3. Complete and submit:
    • Application Evaluation Registration Form
    • ACET Application Form (with essay responses)
    • Updated resume
    • Official college transcripts
    • Two professional references using the ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, )
  4. Send all documents electronically to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu 

Yes! Support staff working in middle or high schools may use their experience in place of classroom visits. Reflections are still required.

Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview with the selection committee.

Costs

Approximately $15,000 for in-state students. Contact the program directly for out-of-state rates.

Contact & Support

Email the ACET program at ACET@montgomerycollege.edu with any questions or for help getting started.

ACET is a Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program. 

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