The Post-Dispatch reports on the new alternative route to teacher certification. Now that the law is in effect, there are many happy districts and prospective teachers out there. Here’s a sample:

“We intend to recognize teacher candidates with ABCTE certification as we would any other certified teacher candidate,” said Kelvin McMillin, who oversees human resources for the Rockwood district. “Our selection and hiring process focuses upon finding the most talented teacher for our classroom openings.”

Districts have a lot to gain from the alternative teacher certification. They’re free to choose from more applicants, so they can raise their standards if they find better-qualified applicants. And they’ll have an easier time filling advanced math and science teaching positions — in fact, they’ll be able to hire former scientists and mathematicians for those classes.

The decision of whom to hire is still up to districts, so critics needn’t worry that under-qualified teachers will be forced on classrooms. Districts will just have more hiring options.