Table of Content
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Guam | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Puerto Rico | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virgin Islands | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Alabama TOC^
Alaska TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
WLTC Information:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Language:
Visuals/aids present to assist user
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies:
ACTFL:
Teacher Preparation Procedures:
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Documents:
Social media:
Overall impression:
Culturally Responsive. Very helpful agents.
Arizona TOC^
Number of Routes: 3
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies:
ACTFL: Assumed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Documents:
Social media:
Overall impression:
very wordy only pdfs available ordy. wl teacher would not know where to click. all are docs not clear routes.
Arkansas TOC^
California TOC^
Number of Routes: 7
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Information for Sojourn Credential is not provided when one clicks “Become a teacher” then I want to teach high school even though this a great route for those holding a degree from outside the U.S. I am familiar with the process, so I knew to look for the application forms, but many will not do this.
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Visuals/aids present to assist user
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: Not Needed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: Assumed
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Documents are accurate
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
CA is very thorough, but navigating the state website takes a lot of time and patience. My overall impression is that although information is provided on the site, it is difficult to locate. A world language teacher who has been educated abroad would generally need assistance in understanding how their academic and professional background meet requirements. Contacting the agency between 12:30-4:00 PM is not necessarily the best option, since they are unable to take the calls in a timely manner. The chat function was so helpful when I was first conducting research for CA in March of 2014. This service has been suspended recently which is unfortunate because it was so useful when I needed to help one Arabic language teacher navigate requirements in April/May. Although the virtual advisor exists, many may not use this tool. Also, the Out of Country resource on the Teachcalifornia.org website is helpful, but one must click on the virtual advisor to automatically get sent there. Teachcalifornia.org should be clearly visible as a great resource for those educated outside the US.
I would urge CA to consult with world language professionals especially those involved in teacher certification to assess how culturally responsive their site is. Although detailed, and updated, the CTC website is intimidating even for someone like myself who was born and educated in the US and is familiar with American bureaucratic discourse. I even obtained my credential from CA in 2007, and peruse the site frequently for updates. I still had a difficult time locating information for world language teacher certification, specifically information for those educated outside the US.
Also, I had to call the CTC and a few consultants, and read into CA law to find out that the ACTFL is accepted if a CSET exam not exist for a specific language. This is problematic since many states accept this exam. It would be helpful if CA created a specific webpage for world language teachers where the different requirements are defined.
Colorado TOC^
Connecticut TOC^
Delaware TOC^
District of Columbia TOC^
Number of Routes: 5
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
Certification routes are simple and clear with not many options.
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
No specific WLTC information posted. Had to go to the DC register for content course requirements. There is a content and pedagogy exam requirements guide.
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Assumed
ACTFL: Not Needed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Documents are accurate
Social media:
Social media buttons are not useful or relevant
Overall impression:
DC certification process is relatively simple and straightforward. However, it was difficult to determine what the education code was called and where to go to find it. Even when found, it was difficult to find the right chapters for additional certification information. The information, however, was presented clearly and simply. DC does not have a complex certification structure.
Website information is clear, but very text heavy. Application forms and required documents clearly stated. Teacher Licensure personnel listed with phone numbers.
No ACTFL.
Florida TOC^
Georgia TOC^
Guam TOC^
Hawaii TOC^
Number of Routes: 5
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses simple English language
Visuals/aids present to assist user
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: Assumed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: Assumed
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Documents are accurate
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
Hawaii has a clear website detailing licensure procedures. However, many individuals will visit the department of education site first. Here I learned that Hawaii has one school system but 7 school districts, a that individuals could use multiple routes to certification. This is confusing and it took me a while to get to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board site (the site with information about licensing requirements). The main issue I had with this site was that only if I click “Apply” under the licensing and permit tab, will it direct me to the wonderful page outlining all the licenses available in HI. Teachers will not click apply since many will be cautious as I was, that this would start an automatic application. I think a general tab that says “License Description” or a similar phrase would be clearer and more helpful. The Standard License has many options and should be outline in different pages. When they are displayed on the same page this is confusing.
Idaho TOC^
Number of Routes: 5
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
WLTC Information:
information is clear
Step by Step Guide:
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Visuals/aids present to assist user
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies:
ACTFL: Assumed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Documents:
There are few documents to download
Documents are accurate
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
Visual aids on homepage are very helpful.
Illinois TOC^
Indiana TOC^
Iowa TOC^
Kansas TOC^
Kentucky TOC^
Louisiana TOC^
Maine TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Some information such as application instructions are easy to find, but other info such as the types of certifications or endorsements are not directly on the website, rather the information is linked to the state legislature laws. I would like to point out that these laws are PDF format, and it is easy to find information.
WLTC Information:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Specific requirements for world language certification is a bit difficult to locate, but the actual data is easy to read and locate within the PDF it is in.
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Assumed
ACTFL: Assumed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Documents are accurate
Social media:
Social media buttons are useful/relevant
Overall impression:
Despite the simple layout of the state website, information is clear and a list of steps to be followed is listed under initial certification. What is more difficult is finding specific requirements for the certification and endorsements. People who are interested in finding more information have to look through the Statutes & Forms section of the site and click through the links to find the type of certificate they are interested in. In addition, many of the laws refer to a code which prompts users to spend time looking through the document trying to find the reference code that the law is referring to.
Maryland TOC^
Massachusetts TOC^
Michigan TOC^
Number of Routes: 8
General State Certification Routes:
information is unclear
information is inconsistent
information is difficult to locate
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is inconsistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Visuals/aids present to assist user
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: Not Needed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Documents:
Social media:
Overall impression:
When you visit the landing page of the site it is quite busy. There are so many options and as a teacher of English, I had a hard time with it. The graphics are distracting and misleading. I was not able to locate information for general certification routes easily. The first document is a pdf instead of a webpage dedicated to teacher certification. Placing this first, is quite misleading. The document is large (33 pages) and is riddled with complex vocabulary. The most helpful graphic in the pdf is at the end! I found this after exhaustive research through the detailed website and was shocked that such a great graphic was placed at the end of such a long document.
Update: July 31, 2015: SO CONFUSING!
Minnesota TOC^
Number of Routes: 5
General State Certification Routes:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Plenty of information is hidden by the online licensing system, meaning people are unable to look up particular requirements unless they register to the online system. Besides looking at the online system I also had to look at MN state legislature and university websites such as Minnesota State University for other info.
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Similar remarks/complaints stated above.
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: Not Needed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
Very difficult to navigate despite the simple placement of links and text. I expected to find certification requirements easy to find under the easily labeled sections. However, links were not present under each license definition. There is a section called Apply for a New Teacher License but it only contains info on testing and human relations; it lacks other important information for certification. However, I do feel it is important to note that the alternative pathways to certification section is much easier to identify the necessary requirements.
Mississippi TOC^
Missouri TOC^
Montana TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies:
ACTFL:
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Documents are accurate
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
No BSR, No ACTFL, Native American Tribes reciprocity with over 12 tribes. Excellent. Transcript evaluations are required even from Canada.
Nebraska TOC^
Nevada TOC^
New Hampshire TOC^
Number of Routes: 3
General State Certification Routes:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Information about the methods to be certified are present but not clearly labeled. My first impression was that the “alternative routes” meant there was a standard route somewhere on the site, and it took a while for me to understand that these “alternatives” were the method types to gain certification. In addition, there is only one entry level certificate and a intern certificate before more advanced certificates, but those are not clearly listed on the main credentialing page.
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Similar issues and problems have been stated above
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Assumed
ACTFL: Assumed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
The biggest issue for me as the researcher is that most of the relevant links are present on the main certification page, but the links have little to no description which makes me have to guess what some of the links lead to. In other cases I have to click on each link individually just to see where the link leads to. Most of the relevant and detailed information for specific certifications are listed in the legislature, but the links are not obvious. The document with the laws often refer to other law codes so I had to jump around a lot and refer to other codes to figure out what the legislation was referring to. For example, a section on intern license says complete the application 505.04 and 505.05 with no other explanation which meant I had to jump to that part of the document and read that section. For non-native English readers, this can be challenging to understand
New Jersey TOC^
New Mexico TOC^
Number of Routes: 3
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Some of the information is on another area of the site, but it s actually difficult to get to the other section. There is no apparent link to the application section. The specific link in question is in overall impressions.
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Similar issues as above. Had the same problems finding certain information for any subject.
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: Not Needed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are few documents to download
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
Looking for information is difficult to decipher since most of the information is in PDFs and state legislation. The link http://www.ped.state.nm.us/Licensure/ is not easily found from the main website and time was wasted trying to find that link.
New York TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
WLTC Information:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
Looking for basic testing requirements is easy to locate, but looking for alternative exams such as the ACTFL is buried deeper in the site and is difficult to find without using the search bar.
Step by Step Guide:
Site provides a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: explanation provided
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are few documents to download
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
A few links are outdated, particularly the ACTFL link to the Languagetesting website. But most links are functional for the most part.
North Carolina TOC^
North Dakota TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
WLTC Information:
Step by Step Guide:
Language:
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies:
ACTFL:
Teacher Preparation Procedures:
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Documents:
Social media:
Overall impression:
North Dakota has a very colorful and user friendly site.
Ohio TOC^
Oklahoma TOC^
Oregon TOC^
Number of Routes: 7
General State Certification Routes:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Bulk of information is in the law/statutes. Licensure Guide is not helpful.
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: Not Needed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: Assumed
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in different areas on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Some documents are outdated
Documents are accurate
Social media:
Overall impression:
Oregon has a Licensure Guide but this is not helpful for the teacher. The site is text heavy and very complicated. Each page is different and inconsistent location of documents and/or content make it tough to navigate. The link for Educator Programs – is just a history of statutes for Educator programs and is not informative. For someone who English is a second language, this site would be very confusing.
Pennsylvania TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
WLTC Information:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Assumed
ACTFL: explanation provided
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: Assumed
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in different areas on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Some documents are outdated
Documents are accurate
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
Very old site. Too much information. Everything must be downloaded! What if there are changes? All documents must be changed as well. They need to invest in web space so they can put this information online.
All information should be displayed using visual aids – instead of in the laws and different documents.
Puerto Rico TOC^
Rhode Island TOC^
South Carolina TOC^
South Dakota TOC^
Tennessee TOC^
Texas TOC^
Utah TOC^
Vermont TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Not Needed
ACTFL: Assumed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Some documents are outdated
Documents are accurate
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
The page layout is plain but simple to read. While the general certificate routes are laid out reasonably well I had to go into the state education law to find the languages that can be certified in the state. In addition the state board allows for ACTFL tests for languages not in the Praxis but don’t explain what ACTFL is although it does link to the ACTFL site. With only a few routes toward certification the process appears to be simple enough to follow. However all applications have to be mailed as there is no method of applying online.
Virgin Islands TOC^
Number of Routes: 3
General State Certification Routes:
WLTC Information:
Step by Step Guide:
Language:
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies:
ACTFL:
Teacher Preparation Procedures:
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Documents:
Social media:
Overall impression:
What about Virgin Island Creole? Why is mostly French, Spanish taught?
From VI Memo in 2010 ” While newly-arrived students are predominantly Spanish speaking, a variety of other language groups are also represented, such as Haitian Creole, French, Patois, Arabic, and Tagalog”. – Why not teach less commonly taught languages in schools? Haitian Creole, Patois, Arabic and Tagalog are no where to be found as a certification in VI.
Virginia TOC^
Number of Routes: 3
General State Certification Routes:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is inconsistent
information is difficult to locate
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies:
ACTFL: explanation provided
Teacher Preparation Procedures:
Transcript Evaluation Procedures:
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in different areas on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Many documents are outdated
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
Update 9.2015 – Same as below: very busy and complicated website. Difficult to find out how to become a teacher here.
Very busy website – landing page for VDOE home page is so busy. Application is wordy. It all seems a bit excessive.
A very thorough explanation of the ACTFL Exam provided. Very good.
Washington TOC^
Number of Routes: 8
General State Certification Routes:
WLTC Information:
information is clear
information is consistent
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: Assumed
ACTFL: explanation provided
Teacher Preparation Procedures: Assumed
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are few documents to download
Documents are accurate
Social media:
NA
Overall impression:
The information found on the website is timely and accurate but information about new certification only appears if candidates click on an ambiguous, “teacher”, button. Information on all tracks is clear and complete, however, it is difficult to find information on specific language certification. There is an excellent step by step guide entitled, “How to Become a Foreign Language Teacher in Washington,” but it is located on the Foreign Language Department website and is not linked on the Teacher Certification site.
West Virginia TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Information is stated as legislature code. I have constant difficulty finding the code number that the law is referring to. In addition, there are several instances where a legislature code refers to another code, causing me to lose track of the original code I am looking at. The certification requirements are presented in PDF format and not easily found on the website.
WLTC Information:
information is unclear
information is consistent
information is difficult to locate
Similar to the remarks located above.
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site does not provide a step by step guide for general teacher certification
Language:
Uses complex English language with specialized vocabulary
Glossary present for specialized vocabulary
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: explanation provided
ACTFL: Not Needed
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Links are located in same area on each page
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Social media:
Social media buttons are useful/relevant
Overall impression:
Certification requirements are clumped together and not parsed out well. While basic certification info is present, it often refers to legislature code elsewhere in the document and often leads to another code. It is very confusing to navigate even for general certification.
The documents are much easier to navigate and more clearly labeled. Each document is labeled about what it does. Social media is also present on the site, and it seems to be kept up to date with state district events. I am unsure how useful it really is, but the effort to be present on social media is a plus.
Wisconsin TOC^
Number of Routes: 4
General State Certification Routes:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
The pathways for certification are clearly laid out. The site also makes recommendations based on what type of preparation the candidate has. While most pathways lead to an Initial License, the site does a good job of showing the steps needed in order to get that license.
WLTC Information:
information is clear
information is consistent
information is easy to locate
Information for world language certification is embedded within the pathway procedures. The general requirements are easy to locate but the specific world language requirements need a bit of searching in the testing documents.
Step by Step Guide:
Site does not provide a step by step guide to world language teacher certification
Site provides a step by step guide to general teacher certification only
Language:
Uses simple English language
Background Knowledge:
US Immigration Policies: explanation provided
ACTFL: explanation provided
Teacher Preparation Procedures: explanation provided
Transcript Evaluation Procedures: explanation provided
Site Functionality:
Links are functional
Documents:
There are many documents to download
Social media:
Social media buttons are useful/relevant
Overall impression:
Despite some initial difficulty finding general information, the order the information was logical. On the other hand, finding specific information for world language was more difficult. WL testing information can only be seen from the testing link on the first page; there were no links to it from the pathways section. There were links to TEP’s, but no links to the actual test requirements without going back to the first page. Overall, I like how the descriptions are set up and presented for potential candidates.