why take the tsap?

Beginning a new career can be daunting. While you may have either formal and informal experiences teaching, interviewing for a teaching position, entering an alternative certification program, and assuming responsibility for a public school classroom will put you into unfamiliar territory. This assessment process and completing the Action Plan activities that result from the assessment can be a significant advantage to you as you prepare for teaching as a second career.

First, the TSAP helps you become familiar with educator practices. By completing the TSAP you will come to understand the breath and scope of the teaching profession – its challenges, rewards, and expectations.

Second, the TSAP can prepare you for acceptance into an Alternative Certification for Teachers (ACT) Program. Many ACT programs assess a candidate’s knowledge and skill prior to, or immediately after, accepting them into a program. Taking the TSAP can give you a head start on filling in the gaps in your knowledge.

Third, the TSAP provides you with critical information regarding the current state of your teaching skills. Similar to high-quality outplacement services, the results help you understand where you are and what areas need further development. The results allow you to be proactive in creating a professional development plan.

Fourth, the TSAP actually gives you the foundation of a Professional Development plan. After completing the assessment, you will be provided with a series of developmental activities designed to enhance specific teaching competencies.

Last, and very important to you, the TSAP and follow-up activities may be recognized by affiliated programs for some form of “credit” toward requirements. Articulation with programs is being developed, so completing the TSAP and the Action Plan may provide tangible benefit to you. Click here for Affiliated Programs information.