TEXAS TEACHER CERTIFICATION Presented for EDUC 1301 April 28, 2011 A Cooperative Process Between Colleges, Universities, Public Schools, and the Texas Education Agency
Collin’s AAT Program A two-year degree program which includes the core curriculum and education coursework required by universities. Collin College offers 3 AAT degrees: 1.EC-6 th Grades, 4 th -8 th Grades, or EC-12 Grades 2.8 th -12 th Grades or EC-12 th Grades 3.EC-4 th Early Childhood Specialization Education and early childhood courses include field experiences in public schools
Collin’s AAT Program Who to contact for AAT at Collin College: Elaine Zweig, Chair of Early Childhood/Education Jesus Gonzalez, Academic Advisor for AAT Programs
TRANSFERABILITY OF ASSOCIATE DEGREES Most of the corresponding AAT degrees from Collin are 100% transferable to the Bachelor plans of local universities, course for course (sometimes as electives). Always speak with an advisor at the university where you’ll be transferring to ensure the Collin degree plan you are following matches their expectations Associate degrees are now required for teacher aide jobs in school districts due to the “No Child Left Behind” Act of 2001.
MINIMUM TRANSFER REQ’TS University Min GPA Min HOURS Min THEA UTD R-260; M-240; W-240 TWU R-260; M-240; W-240 UNT R-240; M-230; W-220 UTA R-270; M-230; W-220 TX TECH R-260; M-240; W-240 DBU R-260; M-240; W-240 UT-Austin R-260; M-240; W-240
Transfer Contacts University of North Texas Philippe Becerra – Texas Woman’s University Bonnie Lowther – – University of Dallas Michelle Griffith – –
Transfer Contacts Texas A&M University-Commerce (EC-6 th ) Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney Heather Doyle – Texas Woman’s University (Mathematics) Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney Don Edwards –
ADMISSION to TEACHER EDUCATION Junior Status Criminal History Check Fingerprinting TB Screening Minimum GPA Minimum THEA Scores Formal Application or declaration Check with university advisor in COE
TIMELINE (Based Upon Full-Time) Freshman Year Remediation Core Classes Sophomore Year Core Classes Associate Classes Junior Year-First Semester Major Classes Apply to Teacher Education Junior Year-Second Semester Major Classes First professional class(es) Senior Year- First Semester Major Classes Field-Based Education Senior Year-Second Semester Student Teaching (ONLY!)
TExES EXAMINATIONS Typically occur in your last semester, during your student teaching experience Universities will have some kind of practice or study sessions since their accreditation depends on you Also, check for preparation manuals including test tips and sample questions to assist you in preparing for the tests You will take at least 2 exams: One in pedagogy and one in your content area – be sure to study for both. $82 each through ETS
BECOMING CERTIFIED Assuming you pass your exams and your courses, the certification officer for your COE manages the approval process for certification. You have forms to fill out and fees to pay ($77 each cert) You should be fully certified as of the date you walk across the stage and receive your diploma Additional certifications require only that you pass the content portion of the exam for that area. Review your certifications at
RENEWING YOUR CERTIFICATE Texas Teacher Certificates must be renewed every five years Renewal requires that you have completed 150 clock- hours of qualified continuing education within those 5 yrs There’s also a FEE to renew – currently $20 total Renew your certificates at
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT School districts will have teacher job fairs in the Spring Apply at any district you like, even if no position is listed Leave résumés with teachers and principals where you did your field work and student teaching Ask for letters of reference early to avoid delay Search for school districts at and click on “District Locator” Check salary schedules on district web-pages
Texas Needs Quality Teachers TexasNeedsYou
HOMEWORK Items Due MAY 3 Field Based Reflections Due on Blackboard Items Due MAY 5 Portfolio Due