Alternative Certification Program Questionaire for Florida's AltCert Participants

It is unclear in the literature how pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) is addressed within Alternative Teacher Certification (AltCert) programs and how successful PCK is at increasing teacher knowledge as evidenced in the taking and passing of teacher certification exams. Through the investigation of the theory of PCK within the AltCert Programs may serve to narrow the gap of the number of teachers leaving the profession for failure to meet certification requirements. The findings of this research study, therefore, will serve to increase AltCert teacher retention rates through sustaining effective programs grounded in coursework intended to increase PCK as evidenced through meeting certification requirements for earning professional certification.


  1. Thank you for taking the time to answer several questions regarding the Florida Approved District Alternative Certification Program. If you would be willing to volunteer to participate in a face-to-face interview lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, please provide your contact information and days and times that best fit your busy schedule. Additionally, you are under no obligation to answer any of the following questions. Your name, work location and/or any personal information you provide during the survey and/or interview will not be released or published. The information you provide is securely stored in this Quia database and will be used to increase understanding on AltCert Programming. I am communicating with you through a personal email address and/or person mobile communication, therefore IRB approval from the school district from which you may be employed is not required. Additionally, I have satisfied IRB and University requirements for conducting research.


  1. How would you define pedagogical content knowledge (PCK)?


  1. Describe how you learned about pedagogical content knowledge (PCK).


  1. Describe how pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) was communicated and taught through the AltCert Program you participated in to satisfy certification requirements.


  1. Describe how pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) was applied by the facilitator(s) in the teaching of the program objectives of the AltCert Program your were enrolled.


  1. How important was pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in assisting in the taking and passing of the Florida Teaching Certification Examinations (FTCE)? Please describe your experience.


  1. Did you take and pass battery of Florida Teaching Certification Examinations on the first attempt? If not, please explain what knowledge you were lacking. If so, to what do you contribute toward this successful outcome.


  1. Please share your thoughts on the Alternative Certification Program and what you think is lacking when preparing individuals to take and pass the Florida Teaching Certification Examinations (FTCE)?


  1. Thank you for taking the time to support this research project on the influence of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in assisting in the taking and passing of the Florida Teaching Certification Examinations (FTCE). Please communicate with me through ementor@emergentteacher.com or contact me directly at 754-244-0185. Thank you again for your time and support in completing this voluntary survey.





Mrs. Fowler
Third Grade Teacher
Davie Elementary School
Davie, FL