Certification Steps
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Texas Education Agency (TEA) Requirements
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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
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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