Certification Steps
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Requirements
According to Texas Administrative Code §228.37, all educator preparation programs must ensure that each candidate seeking initial classroom teacher certification completes at least 300 clock hours of coursework and/or training.
TXITE coursework meets these requirements, including the preservice coursework and training outlined in TAC §228.41, which governs preservice preparation for classroom teacher candidates in Texas.
Certification Steps
Step 1: Apply and Be Admitted
Application and Acceptance for Admission
When: Anytime
Who: College or university graduates, or students in their final semester of coursework
Transfer Credit: Based on evaluation of previous coursework
Candidates may also request a Preliminary Criminal History Check if desired.
After admission, candidates register for and successfully complete the Pre-Teaching Program (Missions 4301-4310).
Format: Virtual classroom
Grading System: Traditional
During this phase, teacher candidates sit for the official TExES exams for the intended certification area. Passing scores on the TExES exams qualify the candidate for a Statement of Eligibility for teacher employment in a Texas public school.
Professional Teaching Internship Program (Mission Field 4311)
After admission and employment, candidates complete the internship phase.
Program Length:
One full school year once hired as an Intern/Probationary Teacher of Record with full salary and benefits, or
14 weeks once hired as a Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional
Format: Virtual classroom and teacher classroom
Grading System: Traditional and T-TESS
Step 4: Complete the Certification Review
After the last month of the Professional Teaching Internship Program, candidates complete a Certification Review before receiving a formal recommendation for the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate.
At this stage, the Texas Education Agency conducts a National Background Check on all certification applicants.
When: After last month of the Professional Internship Program
Step 5: Program Graduation & Certification
To be recommended for the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate, candidates must complete all of the following:
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Complete all required pre-teaching and internship coursework for the intended certification category with a grade of C or higher
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Pass all required TExES exams for the intended certification category
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Receive satisfactory recommendations and evaluations from the field supervisor, mentor or cooperating teacher, and principal
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Earn a rating of Proficient on all elements of the last two field supervisor evaluations
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Submit the Graduation Form
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Pay any remaining tuition balance according to the current Tuition Schedule
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Complete the Certification Review
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Submit the application and fee for the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate