The Alaska Transition to Teaching (AKT2) program, led by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (EED) in partnership with eligible LEAs, is a comprehensive effort to develop a statewide alternative route to teacher certification. The program will recruit highly qualified mid-career professionals, paraprofessionals with a bachelor's degree, and recent college graduates to prepare them to be teachers in high need subjects, including special education. AKT2's will recruit, train, and place 100 new teachers in high need schools over a five-year period. After an extensive screening process, including a portfolio review and interviews with participating district principals, candidates will begin the alternate route and work toward the Alaska Tier I Initial Certificate. The program will help participants to find teaching position in high need schools and provide professional support through facilitated distance-delivered pedagogy and subject seminars. All candidates will be formally mentored for two years through the Alaska Statewide Mentorship Project. Additionally, those candidates placed in larger Professional Development Schools will become part of a professional learning community in which all staff, including principals, assist the candidates with completing their certification requirements.