Looking for feedback on the RALC - North Carolina Lateral Entry teaching path to certification (middle school)

[Shadesofkray]

My husband has been a lateral entry teacher in NC for a little over a year and has been working with a RALC plan of study towards getting certification. The process hasn't been a positive experience and there seems to be a disconnect on getting consistent, accurate information.

He's almost finished but has two subject specific classes required that he's never been able to get an understanding of why they're required. RALC has stated it's determined by the DPI, but DPI states it's determined by each institution. Other programs do not require them.

He's taken nearly 10 content specific courses as part of his previous BS degree, but they're requiring two more. Recently he met another teacher in his subject also doing the RALC plan of study, and her required classes are different.

I'm unable to find any reviews online of RALC and am curious what other's experiences have been, good and bad.

[LLN]

I hate to be discouraging, but . . .

Maybe things are different (does not sound like it) but I investigated this program when I got into teaching, and decided it was disconnected from reality. I went ahead a got my MEd, with student teaching and ended up certified math and science, middle school and high school. It’s been awhile, don’t remember the specifics. I was able to choose the school, grade, and subject I taught.

In fact, even in the terrible teaching environment in NC, I don’t recall ever meeting a lateral entry teacher.

I think the reason is that the districts are rated on certified teachers and are hesitant to mess up their numbers with non certified people. There is,or at least it used to be, a huge disconnect between talk and action in regard to lateral entry.

I hope I am out of date, and somehow this is better than it used to be, but I’m skeptical. Good luck.