1	TeacherCertification Please go through the entire slide show to find out more about the program including areas of certification, admissions requirements, and the application process. Daily access to the internet and email are requirements for the TeacherCertification program Revised November 6, 2008 All previous versions are voided.
2	What Is Region 4 ESC? Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4) assists school districts in the effort to improve student performance, to operate more efficiently and economically, and to support the implementation of state initiatives. Region 4 achieves this by providing professional development offerings, products and services that are instrumental in the operation of a successful school district.
3	How to Become a Teacher in Texas Traditional program–attend a university, study a content area and take courses in education. After completing all requirements, the individual concurrently earns a Bachelor’s degree and certification. Post-baccalaureate program–after earning a Bachelor’s degree, the individual participates in a university-based program and completes all requirements for obtaining certification. Alternative teacher certification program–combines training and a teaching internship to achieve certification.
4	An Alternative Certification Program is not necessary if… the applicant is certified in another state or country. The State of Texas may recognize current or expired teaching certificates. For additional information, contact the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) at 1-888-863-5880.
5	Program Eligibility An applicant is not eligible to participate in an internship if: The applicant has served on a teaching permit in Texas for three years. Also, if the applicant has served on a permit for two years, training must be completed prior to the beginning of the third year. Clinical Teaching may be an option for an applicant in this situation. The applicant has participated in another program but was not recommended for certification.
6	Areas of Certification All Grade Levels Languages Other Than English (LOTE): Arabic Chinese Japanese Russian Vietnamese All Grade Levels Art Special Education Physical Education Music Health Technology Applications Theatre Arts
7	Areas of Certification Early Childhood – Grade 4 Bilingual / ESL Generalist Generalist / ESL Grades 4 – 8 Bilingual / ESL Generalist Generalist / ESL Math Science Social Studies English Language Arts / Reading English Language Arts / Reading /Social Studies Math / Science
8	Areas of Certification Grades 6-12 Business Education Family and Consumer Science French German Latin Spanish Technology Education Vocational Agriculture (Horticulture or Production)
9	Areas of Certification Journalism Life Science Math Math / Physics Physical Science Science Composite Social Studies Composite Speech Technology Applications Grades 8-12 Chemistry Computer Science Dance English Language Arts / Reading History Hospitality, Nutrition and Food Science Human Development and Family Studies
10	Certification Areas Candidates holding the following certificates may teach: All-Level Certificates: the content area in any grade from Early Childhood through 12th grade Generalist Certificates (EC-4 or 4-8): any or all of the core subject areas (English, math, science, social studies) and fine arts Bilingual Generalist Certificates (EC-4 or 4-8): any or all of the core subject areas (English, math, science, social studies) and fine arts Single or Dual Subject Certificates (4-8): only in the specified subject area(s)
11	Certification Areas The following certificates include: Science Composite Certificate: chemistry, geology, life science, and physics Social Studies Composite Certificate: economics, geography, government, and history
12	Areas of Certification (con’t.) Technology education includes manufacturing, construction, transportation systems and industrial technology. Technology applications includes desktop publishing, web mastering and computer graphics.
13	High Job Demand Areas While there may be job openings in all areas of certification, the following are the six highest demand areas in the State of Texas: - Bilingual Education - Special Education - Math - Science - English as a Second Language (proficiency in a language other than English is not required) - Languages Other Than English (LOTE) EC-4 Generalist is NOT a high demand certificate and positions requiring this certificate are very competitive. The entrance requirements for EC-4 Generalist are the same as for Special Education and Generalist/ESL (two high-demand areas).
14	Minimum Academic Requirements Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university If from a foreign university, transcripts must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service. The evaluation must be a course by course evaluation and show equivalent credit hours and grades. Must have official transcripts from every college or university attended
15	Minimum Academic Requirements (con’t.) The TeacherCertification office must receive official transcripts for all coursework prior to processing the application, including: Coursework that was completed toward a degree. Coursework that was not completed toward a degree. Coursework transferred to another institution. Transcript with proof of bachelor’s degree.
16	Minimum Academic Requirements (con’t.) The GPA requirement for the TeacherCertification program can be satisfied by one of the following: 2.5 GPA from bachelor’s degree granting institution 2.5 GPA overall to include all coursework taken 2.5 GPA in last 60 hours Graduate degree conferred (from a regionally accredited university)
17	Minimum Academic Requirements (con’t.) GPA is calculated using the following formula:
18	Specific Content Academic Requirements TeacherCertification classifies courses by the course abbreviation and number as set by the individual institution: Math – courses must be in the college of math only. Science – life science, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, genetics, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, geophysics, oceanography, meteorology, etc. Social Studies –economics, geography, government, history, political science, etc. English – English, literature, reading, composition, etc. Advanced placement and credit by exam courses can be used to meet content requirements as long as the hours show on an official college transcript.
19	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Candidates must provide academic hours or credit requirements in order to qualify for a particular area of certification. You may demonstrate content mastery by passing the designated content certification exam. Passing scores on the state certification exam will be accepted in lieu of coursework for entrance requirements. Work experience for credit hours is considered on a case by case basis through the appeals process.
20	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Grades Early Childhood (EC)-4 Generalist, Generalist/ESL, or Bilingual/ESL All-Level Special Education 24 semester hours, in any combination of core courses to include at least: 3 semester hours of mathematics 3 semester hours of science 3 semester hours of social studies 3 semester hours of English
21	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Grades 4-8: Generalist, Generalist/ESL, or Bilingual/ESL 24 semester hours, in any combination of core courses to include at least : 6 semester hours of mathematics 6 semester hours of science 3 semester hours of social studies 3 semester hours of English
22	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Grades 4-8 / 8-12 / 6-12 Single Subject Areas 24 semester hours of specific content specialization 12 semester hours must be advanced (junior/senior level or higher as determined by the individual university)
23	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Grades 4-8 Dual Subject Area 48 semester hours with 24 semester hours of specific content specialization in each area: Math/Science (need representation of at least three hours in each science sub-area: chemistry, geology, life science, and physics). English Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies (need representation of at least three hours in each social studies sub-area: economics, geography, government and history) . 12 semester hours in each area must be advanced (junior/senior level or higher as determined by the individual university).
24	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Grades 8-12 Dual Subject Area 48 semester hours with 24 semester hours of specific content specialization in each area: 12 semester hours in each area must be advanced (junior/senior level or higher as determined by the individual university).
25	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Grades 4-8 or 8-12 Composite Subject Area 24 semester hours of specific content specialization including at least three hours in each sub-area Science (need representation of at least three hours in each sub-area: chemistry, geology, life science, and physics). Social Studies (need representation of at least three hours in each sub-area: economics, geography, government and history) 12 of the 24 semester hours must be advanced (junior/senior level or higher as determined by the individual university).
26	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) All Level Areas (Art, Music, Physical Education, Health, Technology Applications, Theatre) 24 semester hours of specific content specialization 12 semester hours must be advanced (junior/senior level or higher as determined by the individual university)
27	Specific Content Academic Requirements (con’t.) Languages other than English (LOTE) If medium of instruction for the bachelor’s degree was entirely in the specific language, the content requirements are met, however, candidate must demonstrate content mastery by passing content exam. Medium of instruction must be stated on the official evaluation.
28	Language Assessment Proof of English language proficiency must be provided to the TeacherCertification office before an applicant will be considered for admission to the program. Proficiency can be demonstrated by the following methods: A college degree earned in the United States. A college degree earned from an English speaking institution (all transcripts must be in English and must include a letter from the university or evaluation company stating all instruction was in English).
29	Language Assessment (con’t.) A score of 55 or higher on the Test of Spoken English (www.toefl.org). A score of 575 or higher on the paper version of the TOEFL or 231 on the computerized version of the TOEFL or 90 on the Internet-based TOEFL. A score of 55 or higher on the Versant™ This test may be purchased at Region 4 and taken immediately after receiving the testing information. The registration fee for this test is $40.00 and must be paid in the form of a cashier’s check or money order.
30	Language Assessment (con’t.) For applicants of the bilingual, Spanish, or French programs, a telephone interview is required, unless the applicant earned a college degree in the country specific to the language or from an institution with entire instructions in the specific language.
31	Basic Skills Requirement Degree must include a passing grade in at least one English and one mathematics course. A passing score on the corresponding section of the THEA may be used to substitute for a missing course. Information regarding registration for the THEA test can be found at www.thea.nesinc.com or at a local community college.
32	Basic Skills Requirement (con’t.) Other options to meet basic skills criteria: ACT score from a single sitting must equal at least 23 with at least 19 per section shown on high school/college transcript. SAT scores from a single sitting must equal at least 1070 with at least 500 per section shown on high school/college transcript. TASP/THEA must have passing scores: Writing-220 and Reading-230 and Math-230 ACCUPLACER (Reading 78; Algebra 63; Sentence Structure 80; Writing 6). COMPASS exam will not count.
33	Substitution of Work Experience for Content Hours Reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Must provide verification on company letterhead of dates of employment, job description, and duties. Must be a written request at the time of application. Teaching experience is not substitutable work experience.
34	Training Schedule Training is offered throughout the year during the months shown below. Please see the website for specific dates: http://www.esc4.net/default.aspx?name=eps.cert.trainingDates Online Face-to-Face January January February April March August April May June August September October November
35	TeacherCertification Structure
36	Preservice Training Training is available in both online and face-to-face formats. The face-to-face format includes an online component. Internet access is required of all candidates. Preservice training takes place prior to entering the classroom. The training includes elements which are common to all areas of certification and some which are unique to an individual area. Training requirements include a minimum of 30 hours of classroom observations conducted during pre-service training; these are scheduled by the candidate and can be conducted at public, charter, and accredited private schools.
37	Preservice Training (con’t.) Face-to-Face Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturdays, and online. Online Classes are web-based and offered for all certification areas provided by Region 4. They are completed according to the student's schedule within a given time-frame as long as assignments are submitted by a weekly deadline. Students can log-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
38	Internship Job fairs are held in the summer and the fall. The candidate becomes an intern once a position as a teacher has been obtained: It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain employment to complete the internship requirement. It is the candidate’s responsibility to apply for the probationary teaching certificate after approval from Region 4 ESC. The probationary certificate is valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
39	Internship As the teacher of record Salary and benefits based on district teacher salary schedule. All roles and responsibilities of a classroom teacher. Evaluated by the district measure of success as well as the evaluation by the program. The support team consists of: A mentor teacher A supervising administrator A field supervisor
40	Internship Beginning in August 2008, interns are required to complete eight weeks of online training during the first semester of the internship year. This training is required prior to taking the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam.
41	Clinical Teaching Participation in 12 consecutive weeks of unpaid, full time assignment. Conducted with a ‘cooperating teacher’, who has held certification in the corresponding certification area for at least 3 years. Candidates submit 2 preferred school districts for the clinical teaching option and Region 4 assigns the school district. The student teaching assignment starts only at the beginning of a semester – September and January - and continues for 12 weeks.
42	Additional Training PPR exam preparation Other training as determined necessary
43	Completing Standard Certification In order to complete the program and be recommended for standard certification an individual must: Pass all required state exams for certification. Pay all applicable fees. Receive recommendation for certification from the TeacherCertification Director. Complete all required paperwork and observations for the program. Complete all state required documentation for certification.
44	Completing Standard Certification (con’t.) If all requirements for certification are not completed at the end of an internship, an intern may be extended, if eligible, on a probationary certificate for up to two years to allow for completion of program requirements.
45	What is the Cost? TeacherCertification costs (these fees are made payable to Region 4 ESC): $50 non-refundable application fee for review in 2 areas Reviews for up to two additional areas for $10 per area Preservice training – $850 Fees are subject to change without notice.
46	What is the Cost? (con’t.) At this time TeacherCertification offers a scholarship: http://www.esc4.net/default.aspx?name=eps.cert.scholarship For information on HH loans, access the HH loan website: www.hhloans.com Preservice fees can be paid in full at registration or by following a payment schedule of 3 installment payments, with an additional fee of $20 per payment. Fees are subject to change without notice.
47	What is the Cost? (con’t.) Internship administration fee: $3600 Internship administration fees are paid via bank drafts Some districts may charge additional fees for mentor payments. Clinical teaching administration fees: $1800 Fees are subject to change without notice.
48	What is the Cost? (con’t.) Additional fees associated with the program (paid to other entities): THEA, if applicable: $29 Computerized versions of exams are available for an additional fee. Probationary Certification fee: $52 Tests as required: $164–$328 Computerized versions of exams are available for an additional fee. Fees are subject to change without notice.
49	What is the Cost? (con’t.) Additional fees associated with the program (paid to other entities): Textbooks (approximate): $200 Standard Certification fee: $77 Fingerprint fee: $52.20 National criminal background check fee: $47 This check is required through SBEC for all first time applicants for a permit/probationary/standard certificate. If an applicant has already held one of these credentials the national criminal check will not be required. Fees are subject to change without notice.
50	Application Process TASP/THEA scores or date of when it will be taken or proof of substitution, if applicable. Explanation and court documentation of any criminal history Check for $50 (non-refundable) if not paid online Add $10 per area to be reviewed for up to two additional areas Complete Online Application Mail to Region 4: Official transcripts from all institutions from which course credit was given. Please have these sent directly to you and remove them from the sealed envelope. Include a photocopy of each transcript–front and back
51	Application Process Mail the appropriate documents to: Educator Certification Services Region 4 ESC 7145 W. Tidwell Houston TX 77092
52	Application Process (con’t.) If academic requirements are not met, clear indication of remediation is provided. Applications remain on file for one year. Application review takes approximately 10 business days after receipt of all documents. If academic requirements are met, candidate is notified. Official transcripts are kept on file for 90 days. They will be mailed back with a self-addressed stamped envelope provided to R4.
53	After Applicant is Accepted Applicant is notified of acceptance An Acceptance Packet is emailed and includes registration, training, and classroom observation information. The applicant may begin the 30 hours of classroom observations once accepted. Observations are coordinated through the Human Resources Departments in the school districts. An official Acceptance Letter is mailed to the candidate’s home address.
54	Thank you for your interest in TeacherCertification We look forward to working with you and helping you find a path to becoming a teacher.