Key Components of Certification Preparation
Observation
You are required to have 50 hours of field-based experience, which includes 25 hours of classroom observation and 25 hours actively engaged in instructional or educational activities, completed in a TEA-accredited classroom setting in the content area/grade level you are pursuing. Each individual observation will also require reflection questions to be answered. These observations will be completed in 2 classes. Depending on when you take these classes, you will have 1-2 semesters to complete all 50 hours.
Course Work
The State requires 150 hours of training be completed prior to a teaching assignment. For East Texas A&M this requires you complete a minimum of 4 of our 6 required teacher certification courses. For alt cert classes you must receive a B or above in all classes. Your overall GPA must be at a 3.00 or above.
TExES Content Test
Once you begin taking your alternative certification classes you will be given approval for your TExES content exam. A passing score on the TExES content exam is required before you can begin your teaching assignment. If you are seeking a fall teaching assignment start date, testing scores must be submitted by July 1 in order to secure a Statement of Eligibility, mentor teacher and university field supervisor. If you are seeking a spring teaching assignment start date, testing scores must be submitted by December 1 in order to secure a Statement of Eligibility, mentor teacher and university field supervisor.
NOTE: Teacher candidates seeking certification in EC-6 Core, 4-8 Core, ELAR 4-8 and ELAR/SS 4-8 will be required to pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam in addition to their TExES content exam. A passing score on the STR exam is required before you can begin your teaching assignment.
Eligibility for Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Test
Approval from EPP staff after successful completion of 4 certification courses listed on your certification plan. This needs to be passed before the end of your teaching assignment.
Change of Certification Area after admission into East Texas A&M Alternative Certification Program
You may change your certification area after you have started the program but before you begin a teaching assignment. In order to change certification areas you have to:
- Pass the TX PACT that corresponds to the new certification area being sought.
Once the PACT is passed, then fill out the appropriate form and return to the alternative certification advisor so your certification area can be changed through TEA. You may only change the area you want to pursue one time.