Teacher Leadership for Learning

ii In response to address teacher shortages, urban schools have begun the practice of hiring alternatively certified teachers to staff classrooms with highly qualified teachers. Alternative certification refers to certification obtained through programs without completing a traditional four- or five-year university-based program. Several studies revealed that alternatively certified teachers normally do not receive in-depth training before beginning sole teaching responsibilities. Therefore, site-based support is essential for first year alternatively certified first year teachers ’ development and retention. Research also indicated principals who provide one-on-one support as well as various support strategies could affect first year teachers ’ self-efficac