1 Decision-Makers ’ Perceptions of Hiring Teachers Certified through Alternative Pathways in Georgia

Abstract: This pilot study describes the development of a questionnaire to examine the perspectives of PK-12 hiring decision-makers (i.e., superintendents, human resource directors, and principals) in five school systems regarding certification pathways in Georgia (N=121; 83 % response rate). The findings informed instrument refinement for an identical statewide study and identified questions that warrant further study. First, principals have reservations about employing teachers who gain certification through workshops and tests, without formal university coursework and student teaching. Second, decision-makers with school-age children are less likely to hire teachers certified through alternative programs than are decision makers who have no children, or whose children are grown or under age five; X2 (1, N = 92) = 479, p =.029, Phi Φ =.25. Third, decision-makers rate the “how-to ” knowledge and skills of teaching as more important for new teachers than the social foundations coursework taught in typical university teacher preparation programs. The shortage of qualified teachers is raising renewed concern, especially in the most challenging schools. This shortage is intensified both by shifting demographics and educationa