Applicants with prior military, career, and ACP experiences may be awarded course credit once admission credentials are evaluated. To earn transfer credit, please submit evidentiary artifacts of any activities or accomplishments that could be directly translatable to the classroom. Artifacts may include: Examples of training that candidate developed, conducted, or deployed, including peer mentoring, workshops, or formal training programs; Involvement in public relations, presentations, or meetings; and Examples of new procedures or processes that candidate designed and/or implemented; Awards, medals, or commendations;  Relevant training or certifications received in the military and prior service occupations, such as basic training, and any specialized training or professional development received; certifications including titles and dates; and ACP transfer forms.

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(Aligned with TAC §227.10 and §228.35)

The Texas Institute for Teacher Education (TXITE) acknowledges the value of real-world, professional, and military experience as meaningful preparation for the teaching profession. In accordance with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §227.10(c)(5) and §228.35(a)(5), TXITE offers a structured process for evaluating and awarding course credit for prior military service or career experience that is demonstrably aligned with the Texas Teacher Standards and the competencies required for classroom success.

Eligibility and Evaluation

To be considered for transfer credit, applicants must first be formally admitted to TXITE under TAC §227.10. Once admitted, they may submit a portfolio of evidentiary artifacts documenting their prior military or professional experiences. These submissions are evaluated by the Program Director and Admissions Office using a standards-based rubric to determine relevance, depth, and equivalency to educator preparation coursework or field experience.

Credit may be awarded for experiences that meet the following criteria:

• The experience must reflect substantial instructional, leadership, training, or supervisory responsibilities related to education or training settings.

• The experience must be verifiable, documented, and equivalent in rigor and scope to the coursework or field-based experiences required in the TXITE pre-teaching program.

• The experience must align with specific competencies outlined in the Texas Teacher Standards and be applicable to K–12 teaching environments.

Acceptable Types of Documentation

Applicants are encouraged to submit the following types of artifacts to support their request for transfer credit:

• Training Developed or Delivered: Outlines, agendas, or presentation materials from workshops, formal instruction, or peer mentoring the applicant created or led.

• Leadership or Public Communication Roles: Documentation of briefings, formal reports, public presentations, or meetings led in a professional or military setting.

• Process or Program Implementation: Evidence of initiatives, procedures, or systems the applicant designed or managed.

• Military Awards and Commendations: Official recognition, medals, or certificates indicating performance in instructional or leadership capacities.

• Professional Certifications and Specialized Training: Records of military training schools, leadership academies, continuing education programs, or technical certifications relevant to instructional roles.

Credit Limits and Requirements

While TXITE may grant equivalency credit for certain modules, the following minimum preparation requirements must still be met in accordance with TAC §228.35:

• Candidates must complete at least 300 clock hours of educator preparation through TXITE.

• Of those hours, a minimum of 150 hours of coursework and 30 hours of field-based experience must be completed at TXITE, unless specifically waived by TEA based on submitted training.

• Credit will not be awarded for state-mandated EPP training (e.g., dyslexia, mental health) unless the applicant provides official TEA-recognized certificates of completion.

All decisions are documented in the candidate’s permanent record, including the rubric and rationale for approval or denial of credit. Artifacts must be submitted in digital format for archiving in Populi.

Notification and Appeal Process

Applicants will receive a written decision within 10 business days of their portfolio review. In cases where credit is denied, candidates may submit additional documentation and request reconsideration. Final decisions rest with the Program Director and are made in compliance with TAC §228.40(f).