Choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) can be the difference between a smooth, supported path to the classroom—and a stressful slog. Below is a practical checklist you can use to compare teacher certification programs side-by-side. We’ll spotlight features that matter most to busy career-changers and paraprofessionals—especially support access, quality instruction, flexibility, speed, and affordability.
1) Make “Support & Accessibility” your first filter
When you’re working during the day—or already teaching as an intern—you need help after work hours.
What to look for
- Phone support that runs into the evening (not just 9–5).
- No “early Friday” shutdowns that leave you stranded before a Monday deadline.
- Multiple channels: phone, chat, email, and self-service resources.
Why it matters
Deadlines, hiring paperwork, and exam questions don’t keep banker’s hours. Programs that answer the phone until 7 pm on weekdays (like Teachers of Tomorrow) save you time and stress. Many EPPs stop at 5 pm—or even 1 pm on Fridays—leaving interns without help when they need it most.
Questions to ask
- “What are your live phone hours, Monday–Friday?”
- “If I’m teaching during the day, can I reliably reach someone after 5 pm?”
2) Insist on live interaction with instructors
Email communications-only programs can leave you waiting. Look for weekly office hours where instructors meet with candidates live to walk through projects, clarify concepts, and prep for assessments.
How Teachers of Tomorrow stands out
ToT offers weekly live office hours with instructors—so you can get real-time answers, support on assignments, and targeted advice for your specific classroom context.
Ask this
- “How often can I meet live with an instructor or content specialist?”
- “Are office hours weekly and predictable?”
3) Check the depth of self-help resources (so you’re never stuck)
A strong EPP gives you help on demand: a searchable knowledge base and a 24/7 AI chatbot for quick answers—plus clear guides for exams, hiring, and certification steps.
How ToT helps
ToT provides an extensive knowledge base and a 24/7 AI chatbot, so you can resolve most questions instantly, then escalate to humans when needed.
4) Look at the EPPs track record and outcomes
The proof of any successful EPP is in the quality of its graduates.
Real-world proof
While ToT is proud to be the nation’s largest EPP, graduating over 85,000 certified teachers and boasting a strong 4.3 stars from 2,388 Google reviews. However, a more important measure of success is the real-world performance of program graduates—their employment, retention, and classroom impact.
Outcome signals to prioritize
- Employment and retention rates for new teachers
- Notable alumni and awards (e.g., Teacher of the Year winners)
- District partnerships and principal satisfaction
ToT’s track record (highlights)
- Among the top 3 EPPs in Texas, the state’s education agency data shows that TOT has the best new-teacher employment and 5-year retention rates.
- 85,000+ graduates, including 3 TASA Teacher of the Year winners and numerous other recipients of recognitions and promotions.
- A 2025 study by Texas State University’s REDEE Center found that new teachers from ToT outperformed other alt cert programs in reading and mathematics student growth.
(When comparing programs, ask each EPP to share verifiable outcome data, not just testimonials.)
5) Verify flexibility for real life
The right program adapts to your schedule.
What to check
- Online, self-paced coursework with deadlines that match your life
- Field-based experiences (FBEs) that are accessible—even online where allowed
- Rolling admission so you can start anytime and progress at your pace
ToT’s model
ToT offers rolling admissions and delivers coursework online and self-paced. While some candidates prefer to quickly move on to phase 2 and start teaching full-time as a teacher of record, you can also proceed at a gentler pace and take up to two years to finish pre-classroom requirements. Where states allow it, candidates can complete some of their FBEs online using our robust virtual FBE library.
6) Consider speed to the classroom
With traditional college programs, it could be years before you are teaching full-time and receiving full pay. However, alternative programs let you become a full-time Teacher of Record (ToR) far sooner, sometimes within weeks, depending on your pace and success in meeting the requirements.
ToT’s pathway
Depending on your pace and readiness, ToT can help you reach the classroom in as little as 8 weeks. Prefer to take it slow? You can still progress on a timeline that works for you, spending up to 2 years in phase 1 (pre-service).
Ask
- “What’s the earliest realistic timeline to become a full-time Teacher of Record receiving full pay?”
- “What steps are required before I can be hired full-time?”
7) Compare affordability and payment options (not just sticker price)
Look for free applications, so you can see if you qualify and be fully informed before you pay anything. Also, look for transparent pricing and multiple ways to pay.
ToT’s payment plans
- Pay-in-Advance and Save – Free to apply. Then, if you choose to move forward, pay just $95 enrollment fee, and then receive up to 20% off the program fee (varies by state) when program fee is paid in-full up front. This is the lowest cost option and among the lowest program prices offered by the major EPPs.
- Pay-As-You-Go – Free to apply. Then, pay just $95 enrollment fee, and $95/month during phase 1 (pre-service); once you’re hired as a ToR, the remaining balance is spread over 10 payments.
- Pay-When-Hired (not available in all states) – $299 enrollment and then pay nothing in program fees until hired as a full-time Teacher of Record. This gives you the maximum convenience, and the lowest risk. You pay no program fees unless you’re successful in your transition to a working teacher.
Ask
- “Show me the total cost and all fees across the entire program.”
- “What is your absolute lowest cost option?” and then compare it to ToT’s Pay-In-Advance and Save pricing.
- “Do you have deferred or pay-as-you-go options?”
8) Examine the quality of coaching during your internship (Phase 2)
During your internship year, you will be assigned a field supervisor by your EPP. States require field supervisors to be experienced educators—but the bar above the minimum is what helps you succeed during observations and evaluations.
What great supervision looks like
- Supervisors with deep K–12 leadership experience (e.g., former principals/administrators)
- Clear, actionable feedback after each observation
- Extra support if you don’t score “proficient” (remediation plans, additional coaching, targeted PD)
ToT’s supervision model
- Most ToT field supervisors are former principals/administrators with 15+ years of experience.
- If any evaluation area isn’t “proficient,” you’ll get personalized coaching and targeted support.
- Continued concerns trigger additional feedback and free access to SimpleK12 PD with recommended courses aligned to your needs.
- You also have direct email/phone access to your supervisor and a team of Program Advisors available 8 am–7 pm, Mon–Fri—longer phone support hours than other major EPPs.
Quick Comparison Checklist (print this)
Use this to score any EPP (0–2 each; max score 20). Shortlist programs scoring 16+.
- Evening phone support through 7 pm (including Fridays)
- Weekly live office hours with instructors
- 24/7 self-help (knowledge base + AI chatbot)
- Documented outcomes (employment + retention rates; notable alumni)
- Flexible format (online, self-paced; FBEs partly online)
- Pace to teaching (weeks, not years, if ready)
- Transparent pricing and flexible payment options
- Veteran field supervisors (many ex-principals)
- Structured remediation if not proficient on observations
- Advisor access (email/phone) + extended hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EPP?
An Educator Preparation Program approved to prepare and recommend candidates for certification.
Can I teach while I’m getting certified?
Yes—through an intern certificate once you meet state and program requirements and secure a teaching position.
How long does certification take?
Timelines vary. With an alternative program like ToT, candidates who move quickly can be in the classroom within weeks; others may take several months to complete pre-service milestones.
Do I need in-person classes?
Not necessarily. Many candidates prefer online, self-paced coursework with live office hours for real-time help.
Bottom line
The best teacher certification program is the one that answers the phone when you need help, gives you live access to instructors, proves strong graduate outcomes, adapts to your schedule and pace, and provides affordable paths to completion. On these criteria, Teachers of Tomorrow is built to meet busy candidates where they are—with extended weekday phone support to 7 pm, weekly live office hours, robust self-help tools, flexible pacing, fast routes to the classroom, and experienced field supervisors who coach you to success.
Use the checklist. Ask the hard questions. And choose the partner that proves—day and night—that your success is their priority.
