We understand you are making very important decisions and need to be fully informed to proceed with confidence. If you are interested in finding out more about the program before beginning the application process, please review our frequently asked questions below.
If you need additional assistance, please use the 'Contact Us' form on the right to connect with a CERTification consultant.
-
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Is there a way?
Yes. The Region 10 CERTification Program provides a way for selected college graduates to become teachers without graduating from a traditional teacher education program. This route to certification is considered an "alternative" route because it accomplishes certification outside the traditional university program setting. Mid-career candidates and others may have significant teaching and workplace experience and may benefit from a program that presents teaching methodologies.
What are the major components of the program?
After an applicant is accepted into the program, completes the electronic program agreement, pays the acceptance fee, the applicant becomes a candidate. In addition a candidate will complete 30 hours of classroom field-based experience, at least 150 clock hours of pre-service coursework and then applies for teaching positions. During the program, initial pre-service coursework and an additional 150 hours of coursework in such areas as curriculum, teaching strategies, classroom management, beginning teacher responsibilities and technology will be provided. Upon securing an internship the candidate becomes an intern. A second option is to complete a 15 week non-paid clinical teaching experience.
The intern (teacher of record) will be assigned to work closely with a mentor teacher, school administrator, and Region 10 CERTification staff who will provide support throughout the program. An intern's teaching performance will be evaluated using the local or statewide teacher appraisal system and the intern must complete all requirements for Texas certification and pass state examinations. After satisfactory completion of the internship/clinical teaching experience and meeting all program requirements, the CERTification Advisory Board approves certification and the intern is recommended for certification to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
How does the Region 10 Program differ from other alternative certification programs?
All state approved certification programs must address prescribed components. The specifics of delivery vary from program to program. The Region 10 CERTification Program offers a combination of face-to-face and online coursework modules. In addition, thorough preparation and review for the required TExES content exam and the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam is included. Strong support for interns and clinical teachers as they complete a teaching practicum is also a high priority.
What is the time commitment for the program?
The Region 10 CERTification Program is an intense accelerated route to teacher certification, and the time commitment is extensive. Full attendance is required for all coursework sessions, which are offered in three-hour and six-hour segments. In addition, the program participants must fulfill all teaching responsibilities, complete observations of master teachers, prepare for and take state required examinations and complete necessary documentation.
Where will the CERTification coursework take place?
About 20% of the CERTification coursework is conducted at Region 10, 400 East Spring Valley Road, Richardson, Texas 75081, while about 80% of coursework modules are offered online.
When does CERTification coursework take place?
Course schedules are posted on the CERTification web page under Participants. In addition, you will find links to the Fall and Spring Cohort Calendars. Coursework is offered evenings (three hour sessions) and Saturdays (six hour sessions). You may review the cohort calendars to see how they are structured. Punctual and consistent attendance is a professional expectation.
Can previously completed certification program coursework be substituted?
Some of the coursework you completed may be accepted in place of some requirements if it was completed less than 3 years ago. When inquiring about substitutions you must provide a course description.
Do I need to complete the entire program if I have a degree in education but did not complete student teaching?
Yes, however, some of the coursework you completed may be substituted. Please inquire prior to applying.
-
When should I submit my application?
The Region 10 CERTification Program accepts applications year round allowing those accepted into the program to begin field-based experiences and the initial online courses at any time. However, before applying, spend time considering what content area you want to teach and what grade levels. Obtaining transcripts from ALL institutions from which you earned course credit before applying also expedites the process. Individuals completing a bachelor's degree can apply for admission during the last semester. You will need to submit a letter from the registrar indicating graduation date.
What information do I provide if I have a degree from a university outside of the United States?
You will need to submit the following:
- An original course by course evaluation prepared by a foreign credential evaluation service, indicating an equivalent bachelor's degree granted by an accredited institution of higher education in the U. S.
- Official or certified copy of foreign transcript
- Copy of Right to Work documentation (if applicable)
- Take and submit score of the TOFEL iBT (required scores are: 24 on speaking, 22 on listening, 22 on reading and 21 on writing)
- Enter the Institution (DI) Code: B263 when taking the TOEFL iBT for the scores to be available to Region 10 ALT.
Do I need to have a job before I am accepted into the program?
No. Once you begin the Candidate phase of the CERTification Program, completing 50%-75% of the program curriculum before securing a teaching position should be your goal.
How long does it take to process an application?
This depends on how quickly all the required documents are submitted. Applicants can expedite the process by obtaining transcripts from all colleges attended and reports of required test scores and submitting them along with the other required documents as soon as possible. After receiving these items, the process usually takes from 2 to 3 weeks.
Once I apply and meet basic eligibility requirements, am I enrolled in the Region 10 CERTification program?
Submitting an application begins the process of possible admission to the Region 10 CERTification Program. Once received, applications and documentation are reviewed and a multifaceted screening process is completed. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. You may be scheduled for a formal interview with Region 10 CERTification personnel. All available information is considered to select those applicants most likely to succeed in this intensive accelerated teacher preparation program.
If I do not have all the necessary coursework at this time, may I still submit an application to be considered for the program?
You may submit an application; however, you will need to submit proof of registration for the coursework you are lacking. Consideration for program acceptance will not occur until you have completed all applicant requirements and submitted the required documents.
-
What is Field-Based Experience?
State rule requires candidates to complete 30 hours of field-based experience. These are introductory experiences for a candidate involving interactive and reflective observation of students and teachers engaging in educational activities and instruction. The recommendation of the CERTification Program is for participants to complete all 30 hours through actual classroom observations.
Observing classrooms in a variety of grades and settings can help candidates determine the suitability of teaching as a career choice. It also provides an opportunity to observe teachers as they interact with their students.
What if I cannot complete all 30 hours observing classrooms?
For candidates who cannot complete all 30 hours of field-based experience through classroom observations, the following provides options to fulfill this requirement:
Pre-Selected Videos (classroom settings). The videos are available online in Welcome to Teacher Certification. The state allows a maximum of 15 hours credit for video viewing.
Substitute Teaching - Up to 15 clock-hours of field-based experience may be satisfied by serving as a long-term substitute. A long-term substitute is an individual who has been hired by a school or district to work at least 30 consecutive days in an assignment as a classroom teacher.
Experience may occur after the candidate's admission to an EPP or during the two years before the date the candidate is admitted to the EPP. The candidate's experience in instructional or educational activities must be documented by the EPP and must be obtained at a public or private school accredited or approved for the purpose by the TEA.
Complete information on the required Field Based Experience can be found in Chapter 228.35 of the Texas Education rules:
Chapter 228.35
(e) Educator preparation program delivery. An EPP shall provide evidence of ongoing and relevant field-based experiences throughout the EPP in a variety of educational settings with diverse student populations, including observation, modeling, and demonstration of effective practices to improve student learning.
(1) For initial certification in the classroom teacher certification class, each EPP shall provide field-based experiences, as defined in §228.2 of this title (relating to Definitions), for a minimum of 30 clock-hours. The field-based experiences must be completed prior to assignment in an internship or clinical teaching.
(A) Field-based experiences must include 15 clock-hours in which the candidate, under the direction of the EPP, is actively engaged in instructional or educational activities that include:
(i) authentic school settings in a public school accredited by the TEA or other school approved by the TEA for this purpose;
(ii) instruction by content certified teachers;
(iii) actual students in classrooms/instructional settings with identity-proof provisions;
(iv) content or grade-level specific classrooms/instructional settings; and
(v) written reflection of the observation.
(B) Up to 15 clock-hours of field-based experience may be provided by use of electronic transmission or other video or technology-based method. Field-based experience provided by use of electronic transmission or other video or technology-based method must include:
(i) direction of the EPP;
(ii) authentic school settings in an accredited public or private school;
(iii) instruction by content certified teachers;
(iv) actual students in classrooms/instructional settings with identity-proof provisions;
(v) content or grade-level specific classrooms/instructional settings; and
(vi) written reflection of the observation.
(C) Up to 15 clock-hours of field-based experience may be satisfied by serving as a long-term substitute. A long-term substitute is an individual who has been hired by a school or district to work at least 30 consecutive days in an assignment as a classroom teacher. Experience may occur after the candidate's admission to an EPP or during the two years before the date the candidate is admitted to the EPP. The candidate's experience in instructional or educational activities must be documented by the EPP and must be obtained at a public or private school accredited or approved for the purpose by the TEA.
How do I arrange classroom observations with a school/district?
To arrange classroom observations for field-based experience, go online to the district's website for instructions regarding "Student Observation," or contact the school district human resource department when online instructions are not available. The districts require your fingerprints to be completed with TEA and may also require a Criminal History background check for you to be granted access to their schools. You should also be prepared to present a copy of your program acceptance letter, if requested.
-
Will my certificate differ from that received by a graduate from a Texas college or university teacher education program?
No. Certificates received through the CERTification Program are identical to certificates received through a traditional university teacher preparation program. The certificate enables recipients to teach in the certificate area anywhere in Texas, and reciprocity is available in some other states.
Once I complete my internship year, do I automatically receive teaching certification?
No. Completing the internship year does not automatically entitle you to certification. You must have met all state, district and Region 10 ESC CERTification Program requirements, as well as have been recommended for certification by your district and Region 10 ESC CERTification Program. You must have passed all exams required for your certification area, completed all program course work and paid all program fees. Please refer to Interns in the CERTification Participants section on the website for a more complete description of certification requirements.
Does Region 10 CERTification offer school librarian, reading specialist, diagnostician, or counselor certification?
School Librarian, Master Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist are not offered. Please contact Texas Education Agency (TEA) for information regarding these areas.
An Educational Diagnostician certification program is offered through Region 10 CERTification.
-
Does Region 10 CERTification Program offer grants or loans for the program fees?
Region 10 CERTification itself does not offer grants and loans, but its finance department will work with various entities that provide financial assistance to participants. Financial assistance opportunities include the College Access Loan (CAL), the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Education Related Deferment, request of existing school loans (once an internship has been secured), and student loan forgiveness.
What salary can I expect to earn?
It is the applicant’s responsibility to check with individual districts about respective salary scales and benefit packages. Most districts post salary scales on their websites. Click here to access Region 10 district websites.
When will I begin receiving my salary?
In most districts, teachers are paid on a monthly basis on the last working day of the month over a 12 month period beginning in September and extending through August. Some districts will pay new teachers over 13 months so they can receive a check in August. It is the applicant’s responsibility to solicit this information from districts prior to accepting a position.
Am I paid a salary during my internship year?
Yes. Candidates hired by a participating school district receive the same salary as other first-year teachers, minus the program fee (which is paid monthly by the intern). As with any employment, it is the employee’s responsibility to inquire as to salary and benefits. An intern is hired as teacher of record and is an employee of the school district. As such, interns are subject to all rules and responsibilities outlined in local school board policies. Once certification is earned, the internship is credited as the first year of teaching service.
If an emergency prevents my completion of internship, am I responsible for the entire CERTification internship fee?
No, if an intern resigns, the monthly payments cease at the end of the month the resignation becomes effective. Those who satisfactorily complete requirements for certification are responsible for payment of the entire program fee even if they resign their district positions at the end of the internship year.
-
When do districts hire teachers?
Some districts hire certified teachers as early as January and February for the next school year. Generally, districts begin considering non-certified candidates who are already enrolled in a certification program late in the spring and throughout the summer. Complete applications in several districts before attending their job fairs. You may also contact campus administrators by email to inquire about teaching on their campuses. Remember to make the email short and to the point.
Does Region 10 CERTification place candidates in teaching positions with school districts?
No. Candidates have 2 choices for teaching practicum:
Candidates choosing internship (full academic year) are responsible for securing his/her own employment with a participating school district.
Candidates choosing the clinical teaching experience are assigned to districts based on choices.
What school districts are in Region 10?
There are 80 public school districts, 35 charter schools, and numerous private schools in 8 counties across Region 10. Click here for a regional map. Not all school settings are approved for ALT internships. Review the list of charter schools approved for internships. Private schools must be on the TEA approved statewide list.
How long does the internship last?
Internships require two consecutive semesters as the "teacher-of-record" in a school district, approved charter school or TEA approved private school. An intern is expected to complete all program requirements including coursework and state exams before the internship ends.
Clinical Teaching Experience (CTE) - How is this different from an internship?
This option is an accelerated opportunity for qualified candidates to become certified. The Clinical Teaching Experience (CTE) consists of an unpaid fifteen-week practicum in the specific certification area sought. You are assigned to work with a cooperating/mentor teacher in his/her classroom. Your cooperating/mentor teacher, campus administrator, and Region 10 CERTification staff member provide assistance and support.
-
What is the difference between TX PACT and TExES?
The TX PACT exams contain questions assessing subject-matter knowledge only, as opposed to the TExES certification exams that include questions assessing both subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical knowledge.
TX PACT exams cannot be used for certification. The TExES exams are required for certification.
How do I obtain test approval if I am not in a program?
You do not need testing approval to take the new TX PACT. You can go directly to the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website and find information about TX PACT. Not all our applicants are required to take the TX PACT.
To be eligible for admission, an applicant:
1. shall have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 before admission or a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester credit hours on all coursework, including content specific, previously attempted at an accredited Institute of Higher Education (IHE).
2. seeking a career and technical education (CTE) certificate that does not require a degree from an accredited IHE is exempt from the minimum GPA requirement.
3. shall have 12 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought, unless certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; shall have 15 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought if the certification sought is mathematics or science at or above Grade 7;
or
shall have a passing score on the appropriate TX PACT examination as specified in the figure provided in this subparagraph for the calendar year during which the applicant seeks admission. Figure: 19 TAC §227.10(a)(4)(C)
Once accepted:
Region 10 CERTification Program will provide TExES content pedagogy exam resources for candidates who are accepted into the program. This exam is a requirement for certificate issuance and will not be available to candidates without program approval.
Contact the certification consultant to discuss which test you would need.
Educator Certification Examination Retake FAQs - Effective September 1, 2018
What is the minimum passing score?
A score of 240 out of a possible 300 is required.
How much does each test cost?
A TX PACT is $106.
A TExES exam is $116.
Where can I find out more information about the test?
More information can be found on Pearson's website. Texas Educator Certification Examination Program.
How does Region 10 obtain my TOFEL iBT score?
Individuals provide copies of test scores received when submitting an application. Individuals presenting a foreign transcript evaluation indicating the equivalent of a bachelor's degree must submit the TOFEL iBT score report meeting the requirements of 24 on the speaking portion, 22 on the listening portion, 22 on the reading portion, and 21 on the writing portion.
Enter the institution (DI) Code: B263 when taking the TOEFL iBT for the scores to be available to Region 10 CERTification.
The countries listed below have been approved by the State Board of Educator Certification to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement specified in 19 TAC 230.11(b)(5)(C). To be exempted from the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) testing requirement specified in 19 TAC 230.11(b)(5)(B), a certification candidate must have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher education on the SBEC-approved list of countries.
Country Country American Samoa Gibraltar Anguilla Grand Cayman Antigua and Barbuda Grenada Australia Guyana Bahamas Jamaica Barbados Liberia Belize Nigeria Bermuda Saint Kitts and Nevis British Virgin Islands Saint Lucia Cayman Islands Trinidad/Tobago Canada (except Quebec) Turks and Caicos Domica United Kingdom Gambia U.S. Pacific Trust Ghana -
How can I get answers to other questions?
We understand you are making very important decisions and need to be fully informed to proceed with confidence. If you are interested in finding out more about the program before beginning the application process, please contact a CERTification consultant for additional information.
Program Coordinator
Consultant
Consultant
Program Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
