Both Volunteer Teaching Corps and UNITE members participate in the specially designed Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) developed in partnership with the Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy.  This innovative training program is designed to provide content and skills for non-education majors with a desire to teach.  ATCP, a one-year program, gives members the opportunity to combine full-time, in-classroom experience with special instruction to earn an Initial Alternative State of Illinois Teacher Certificate and 22 credits toward a Masters in Education from Northwestern University.

New teachers are exposed to excellent teachers and world-class education models. We deliver an engaged teacher development program through communities of support and a number of holistic methods:

• Interaction and mentoring with alumni and staff
• Retreats for reflection and peer sharing
• Summer orientation
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Extracurricular activities
• ICTC’s Resource Center, a library of teaching materials and information
• AmeriCorps Education Award Program

To support you further in your goals, Northwestern University faculty, mentor teachers from participant schools, and ICTC staff assist ICTC members throughout the year.  This support ensures your experiences as a new teacher are both rewarding and effective. 

VTC: Professional Development FAQ's