The growing shortage of teachers and other school professionals nationwide, concomitant with increasing interest of mid-career individuals in exploring options in teaching and other school professions, has necessitated an innovative approach for entrée into the education profession.   Alternative Routes to Certification at Eastern Kentucky University has been implemented to meet this interest, and be able to place qualified individuals in all education positions in Kentucky schools.  Eastern Kentucky University supports the admission of students who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding performance, originally trained outside the field of education, in their pursuit of education-related degrees and certification programs.