Due to teacher shortages many intercity and rural school districts, have been forced to rethink and retool their teacher certification process. During the 1980s states began to look at alternative strategies for prospective teachers to receive their teacher certifications, while outside of the established norm of a university degree in teaching. Obtaining a license alternatively enables new teachers to enter the workforce mid-career and with a more diverse background then their university educated peers and helps to bring real world experience to the teaching environment. While almost all states require at least a bachelor's degree in a certifiable area and required core courses along with other requirements. It is this type of certification