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Texas Teacher Certification

» Continuing Education » Education » Texas Teacher Certification

» Continuing Education » Education » Texas Teacher Certification

2023 Summer Semester Course Registration Begins April 3rd. Learn more. COVID-19 New Policies Effective 08/20. Learn More.

Are you ready to Teach?

If you have a passion for working with children and believe that the value of helping them reach their learning potential carries rewards that are immeasurable, then the ACC Teacher Certification Program is for you. Approved and accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification, our program will guide you through a well-defined pathway toward Texas Standard Teacher Certification.

Recipient of commendations from the State Board of Education (2019, 2020, 2021)
100% Principal Approval (Texas Education Agency, Principal Survey (2018)




The ACC Teacher Certification Program strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values diversity reflecting the demographic make up of the students of Texas. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create an educational environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Just see how rewarding it can be teaching for a living! If you are unsure whether you meet all the qualifications, please feel free to contact us to discuss your situation.

Choose Your Path

The Texas Teacher Certification Program at ACC currently offers certifications in the following areas:

Grades EC - 12

  • Core Subjects w/ Science of Teaching Reading (EC - 6)
  • Technology Applications
  • Special Education w/ Additional Content Area

Grades 4 - 8

  • Core Subjects w/ Science of Teaching Reading
  • English Language Arts & Social Studies w/ Science of Teaching Reading
  • English Language Arts & Reading w/ Science of Teaching Reading
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics & Science
  • Science

Grades 7 - 12

  • Physical Science (6 - 12)
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics & Mathematics
  • Science

Supplemental Subjects

  • American Sign Language
  • Bilingual Supplemental
  • ESL Supplemental
  • Special Education Supplemental

Get Started Now!

Complete an ACC online application; send official transcripts reflecting a conferred bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall or in the last 60 hours and arrange for a personal interview.

Out-of-Country applicants need to have their transcripts evaluated and pass the TOEFL with scores of Speaking 24; Listening 22; Reading 22, Writing 21.

Register for Courses

Follow this tutorial to select courses, build your schedule, and register for CE courses.

2023 Spring Semester

2023 Spring Semester

Jan 3rd, 2023 - May 29th, 2023

View Schedule
2023 Summer Semester

2023 Summer Semester

May 30th, 2023 - Aug 20th, 2023

View Schedule

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Application

Program
Information

Tuition

$6,000.00 $3,000.00
Save 50% Thru May 31, 2023!

Additional Fees Apply

Payment Options

Fast Track Scholarship
Financial Assistance Available

Time Commitment

12 - 16 Months
Hours / Week Vary

Certification

Texas Standard Teacher Certification

Program FAQ's

View Program FAQ's

Career
Information

Median Salary

$60,736
New workers start around $47,216. Normal pay is $60,736 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $79,276.

Annual Job Openings

957
Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.

Program
Downloads

Program Application
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Contact
Information

Program Coordinator

Karin Miller
Request Information
512-223-7653

Course Registration

512-223-7542
512-223-0124
ceregistration@austincc.edu

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Frequently Asked Questions

? What is the testing schedule recommended by ACC?

Required

TExES Content Test - i.e., What you are seeking certification in; Math; Core Subjects; Science, English; Social Studies
Pass as soon as possible within 60 days of admission

Optional

TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental
TExES Bilingual Supplemental and Bilingual Target Language Proficiency
TExES Special Education Supplemental
Pass 30 days after class over

Required

TExES The Science of Teaching Reading - Core Subjects EC-6, 4-8; English 4-8; English/Social Studies 4-8 only
Pass 30 days after class over

Required

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility
Before Internship or Clinical Teaching

- OR -

EdTPA Portfolio Assessment for Certification
During Internship or Clinical Teaching

? What are the requirements for admission?

You Must have a conferred Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA overall or a 2.5 GPA in last 60 clock hours. If the applicant does not meet this GPA or is seeking a certification where no college work was obtained, the applicant must take and pass a Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT).

? What tests am I required to take in order to get my Texas Teacher Certification?

Testing is provided through Pearson TExES. You will need to establish a testing account with Pearson's prior to registering for tests. Also, at this website, you will be able to register and pay for tests.

Please view this document which outlines all of the tests which have been modified for ACC Teacher Program Candidates.

? What Does The ACC Teacher Certification Process Entail?

There are a total of four (4) phases in regards to the certification process:

  1. Admissions
  2. Coursework
  3. Clinical Teaching or Internship
  4. Finalizing Standard Certification

Please see the following certification process info sheet for complete details as well as program contact information.

? Do I have to take the TOEFL if my degree is from out-of-country?

If your country is designated as English speaking by the Texas Education Agency, you do not have to take the TOEFL. If your country is not on the list, yes, you must take the TOEFL-iBT.

Please see the following website for further information.

? Are there scores that I must achieve on the TOEFL?

Yes, you must achieve minimum scores in the following areas:

  • Speaking - 24
  • Listening - 22
  • Reading - 22
  • Writing - 21

TOEFL scores are valid for two years. More information and the registration portal may be found at https://www.ets.org/toefl/

? What additional admission steps are required by ACC?

Students must complete the official ACC program application which can be found here. Students must also provide their official transcripts, sent digitally, to Karin.Miller@austincc.edu as well as complete a face-to-face interview.

? What should I know in general about the program?

You can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer ACC session (semester). Classes are held Monday-Thursday from 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm, and held either virtually or face-to-face.

A certification plan is available which outlines completion of your specific program. The teacher certification program is a two-year program:

The first year is completion of required state curriculum, 30 hours of field based experiences and required testing for state licensure. All must be completed prior to clinical teaching or internship.

The second year is completion of an internship or clinical teaching, as defined below.

  • Clinical teaching is a 14-week, non-paid experience in an approved TEA private, charter, or public school.
  • An internship involves having a contract with an approved TEA private, charter, or public school for one academic year or 180 day as teacher of record. The candidate receives first year's teacher salary, benefits, and teacher retirement.

Both of these experiences are completed under the supervision of the ACC Teacher Certification Program.

? What is your complaint policy and procedure process?

Student Complaint Procedures

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices as well as discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Grade disputes and sexual or sexual harassment complaints are handled separately.

Please refer to the following document for detailed information:
Alternative Teacher Certification Complaint Policies & Procedure

? What courses am I expected to take?

Certification plans are available that outline course requirements for Spring and Summer enrollment. The teacher certification program is a two-year program.

The first year is completion of required state curriculum, 30 hours of field-based experiences and required testing for state licensure. All must be completed prior to clinical teaching or internship.

The second year is completion of an internship or clinical teaching, as defined below.

  • Clinical teaching is a 14-week, non-paid experience in an approved TEA private, charter, or public school.
  • An internship involves having a contract with an approved TEA private, charter, or public school for one academic year or 180 days as teacher of record. The candidate receives first year's teacher salary, benefits, and teacher retirement.

Both of these experiences are completed under the supervision of the ACC Teacher Certification Program.

? What accommodations are available for former and current military personnel and their spouses?

According to TAC 19 Section 228.35(1)(5)(A), each educator preparation program is required to develop and implement specific criteria and procedures that allow:

  • (a) Military service members or military veteran candidates to credit verified military service, training, or education toward the training, education, work experience or related requirements (other than certification examinations) for educator certification requirements, provided that the military service, training, or education is directly related to the certificate being sought.

? What is the job forecast for the teaching profession for the next 10 years?

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 124,300 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Middle School Teachers

The median annual wage for middle school teachers was $60,810 in May 2020.Employment of middle school teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 48,400 openings for middle school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

High School Teachers

The median annual wage for high school teachers was $62,870 in May 2020. Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 77,400 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Source: Texas Workforce Commission Information

? If my degree is from out-of-country, what do I have to do prior to admission?

If the conferred degree is from out-of-country, the out-of-country transcript must be evaluated for equivalency to a US degree by an approved TEA transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation company located in Austin, Texas is:

Foreign Credentials Service of America
1910 Justin Ln.
Austin, TX 78757

Phone: (512) 459-8428
Fax: (512) 459-4565
Email: info@foreigncredentials.org

? What is ACC's policy about accepting previously completed coursework?

Military:

ACC WILL evaluate and accept any coursework recorded on an official transcript completed while in the military if it is pertinent to the certification area sought by the candidate.

Colleges and Universities:

ACC WILL evaluate and accept any coursework recorded on an official transcript completed at other colleges and universities if it relates to the certification area being sought by the candidate. ACC will also accept any field-based experiences with proper documentation.

Alternative Certification Programs:

ACC WILL NOT accept any coursework from an alternative certification program. However, with proper documentation, ACC will accept any field-based experiences completed.

? What are the Exit Policies of the ACC Teacher Certification Program?

Candidates who are admitted to the ACC Teacher Certification Program are expected to demonstrate both academic and specified non-academic standards that are necessary to be competent teachers. The intent is to ensure that the candidates recommended for teacher certification can effectively and independently carry out the duties for which they are being prepared. We will hold you to your signed agreements and program policies. You will be placed on probation or asked to leave the Teacher Certification Program based on, but not limited to, the reasons listed below.

Reasons for Discipline or Dismissal

  • Failure to abide by the Texas Educator's Code of Ethics
  • Poor attendance (classes, field experience, internship/clinical teaching placements, etc.)
  • Incomplete or unsatisfactory coursework
  • Uncorrected Fitness to Teach incident(s)
  • Failure to complete 30 clock hours of field-based experiences on time
  • Unsatisfactory progress toward completion of the program
  • Failure to meet clinical teaching or internship requirements
  • Failure to maintain financial responsibilities to ACC
  • Failure to pass TExES examinations
  • Falsification of application or program information
  • Failure to disclose criminal activity

If a candidate resigns from the program or is released by the program, the following must be completed within 5 working days.

  1. In the event of resignation from the program, written notice to the program coordinator or to the admissions officer is required.
  2. In the event of release by the program, the program will send an official letter to the candidate stating the reason for release.
  3. An exit interview must be held with an ACC staff member.
  4. All materials (books, technology, etc.) must be returned. If not, the candidate will be billed for the costs of the materials and grades withheld.

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What Our Students Are Saying

I feel one of the most important things I have learning is that teaching is not just hammering knowledge into unwilling youth, but rather a dynamic process that should inspire engage, and transform not on the students but the teacher as well.

Ana Stewart

The quality, depth, and breadth of the material that (the instructor) has given us is nothing short of a treasure chest of resources and knowledge which, I'm certain, is going to serve us well in our future as educators. I feel like I'm getting more than my money's worth and am truly investing in a fulfilling future!

Simone Fuselier

Texas Teacher Certification

100% Satisfaction (TEA Principal Survey 2018)

Program Information: http://continue.austincc.edu/teacher
Program Coordinator: Karin Miller @ 512-223-7653 | karin.miller@austincc.edu

Are you ready to Teach?

If you have a passion for working with children and believe that the value of helping them reach their learning potential carries rewards that are immeasurable, then the ACC Teacher Certification Program is for you. Approved and accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification, our program will guide you through a well-defined pathway toward Texas Standard Teacher Certification.

Recipient of commendations from the State Board of Education (2019, 2020, 2021)
100% Principal Approval (Texas Education Agency, Principal Survey (2018)




The ACC Teacher Certification Program strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values diversity reflecting the demographic make up of the students of Texas. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create an educational environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Just see how rewarding it can be teaching for a living! If you are unsure whether you meet all the qualifications, please feel free to contact us to discuss your situation.

Choose Your Path

The Texas Teacher Certification Program at ACC currently offers certifications in the following areas:

Grades EC - 12

  • Core Subjects w/ Science of Teaching Reading (EC - 6)
  • Technology Applications
  • Special Education w/ Additional Content Area

Grades 4 - 8

  • Core Subjects w/ Science of Teaching Reading
  • English Language Arts & Social Studies w/ Science of Teaching Reading
  • English Language Arts & Reading w/ Science of Teaching Reading
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics & Science
  • Science

Grades 7 - 12

  • Physical Science (6 - 12)
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics & Mathematics
  • Science

Supplemental Subjects

  • American Sign Language
  • Bilingual Supplemental
  • ESL Supplemental
  • Special Education Supplemental

Get Started Now!

Complete an ACC online application; send official transcripts reflecting a conferred bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall or in the last 60 hours and arrange for a personal interview.

Out-of-Country applicants need to have their transcripts evaluated and pass the TOEFL with scores of Speaking 24; Listening 22; Reading 22, Writing 21.

Texas Teacher Certification Program Information

Tuition

$6,000.00
Books & Fees Not Included

Payment Options

Financial Assistance Available

Time Commitment

12 - 16 Months
Hours / Week Vary

Certification

Texas Standard Teacher Certification

Median Salary

$60,736

Job Market

957

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