How Texas Alternative
Teacher Certification Works
Texas is one of many states in the United States of America that offers alternative certification pathways for prospective teachers who haven’t completed a traditional teaching certification program.
In this article, we’ll explore how alternative teacher certification works in Texas.
How Does Texas Alternative Teacher Certification Work?
If you’re looking to become a teacher in Texas but haven’t completed a traditional teacher training program, don’t worry. Texas has many alternative pathways to teacher certification. There are many alternative educator preparation programs in Texas, including iteach.
If you hold a Bachelor’s degree and qualifying GPA, you may qualify for alternative teacher certification in Texas. To obtain your certification, you will need to find, apply to, and successfully complete an alternative teacher certification program. As part of your alternative certification program, you’ll gain real classroom experience, either as part of a paid Internship or an unpaid Clinical Teaching experience.
In the next section, we’ll explain how to achieve your certification step-by-step.
How to Become a Fully Licensed Teacher in Texas Through Alternative Teacher Certification
There are a handful of steps to becoming a certified teacher in Texas through an alternative teacher certification program.
Research Approved Programs
Once you know that you would like to teach, you should find an ACP (alternative certification program) that fits your needs. Texas has over 100 different ACPs.
Look for a program that offers certification in your subject area and meets your requirements. Other factors you will want to consider include the reputation of the program, its success in placing candidates in teaching jobs, and program cost.
Get Accepted by an Approved Program
Once you’ve found the program or programs you’d like to apply to, it’s time to prepare your application materials. Each program has different requirements and deadlines, so make sure you do your research before applying to ensure you have the best possible chance at success.
Your program will also identify what you’re qualified to teach based on your college credit. They’ll approve you for your applicable certification exam.
Begin Your Alternative Certification Program (ACP)
Once you’ve been accepted at an ACP, it’s time to begin your training! Each program works differently, so you will work with your program to create a plan and follow its structure.
At iteach, you’ll complete several courses on various pedagogical topics. These courses are designed to adequately prepare you for the classroom.
Find a Teaching Position
Depending on the program, you will either complete a Clinical Teaching experience or an Internship.
A Clinical Teaching experience is when you are placed in a classroom alongside a lead teacher, who acts as your mentor. You will work in the classroom alongside the lead teacher for at least 14 weeks, though the exact duration of the experience will depend on your program.
It’s important to note that Clinical Teaching experiences are often unpaid.
Some programs, like iteach, let participants complete an Internship instead of a Clinical Teaching experience. An Internship, also called a Residency or Field Experience, is a two-semester paid position where you are the teacher of record in the classroom.
Pass Your Exams
You will need to pass the TExES content area test for the subject area you teach in before you start teaching. You will also need to pass the Professional Pedagogy and Responsibility (PPR) to qualify for your Standard Certificate before the end of your residency.
Apply for Your Standard Certificate
Once you have passed your exams, completed your teaching experiences, and finished your program’s coursework, you can apply for a Standard teaching certificate. Your program must recommend you for certification, so it’s important to make sure you’ve met all the requirements.
Finding An Alternative Teacher Certification Program in Texas
There are many alternative certification programs (ACPs) that you can choose from in Texas. Each program has its own strengths and weaknesses. When considering a program, you’ll want to consider:
- Location: Is the program in a convenient location for you? Does it offer any remote learning options so you don’t need to relocate?
- Accreditation: You’ll want to ensure your program is accredited by the state of Texas. If not, your preparation won’t count and you won’t be able to apply for a license. Also consider national accreditation to ensure the rigor of your program. iteach is the only non-university accredited by CAEP.
- Cost: Different programs have different fees. Consider what’s realistic for your budget when determining which program to consider. Many programs offer payment plans or financial aid which might help with affordability.
- Reputation: Seek out reviews of the program from former participants to learn what they liked and didn’t like. You want to ensure you find a program that has a strong track record of success for its participants.
- Resources: Consider how the program supports you during your training experience and beyond. What is their curriculum like? How often will you meet with a mentor? These factors are important in ensuring you have the best possible experience in the classroom.
Choosing iteach for Alternative Teacher Certification in Texas
If you’re searching for an accredited alternative teacher certification program in Texas, you may want to consider iteach.
iteach is an alternative certification program that helps prospective teachers enter the classroom with full pay in just a few months. iteach has trained more than 29,000 teachers and boasts an impressive pedagogy exam pass rate.
If you’re accepted as an iteach participant, you’ll receive:
- Two semesters of supervision under an experienced teacher
- Access to an instructional coach in your subject area
- A free year of access to more than 1,600 training videos through Teaching Channel
- Low upfront costs (just $99/month) while you prepare
iteach also offers remote learning so you can access training from a convenient location.
If you’re looking for an accredited alternative teacher certification program with a strong reputation and track record of success, apply to iteach today.
Final Thoughts
Texas is one of many states to offer alternative teacher certification programs which allow prospective teachers to train and work without the long training times and expensive coursework of traditional teacher training programs.
If you’re hoping to be a teacher in Texas but didn’t go through a traditional teaching program, consider alternative teacher certification as a pathway to achieving your career goals.