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Alternative Certification Programs

 

The Department of Urban Education offers college graduates two ways to become highly-qualified certified teachers in the state of Texas. University coursework is a key component in both programs.

Alternative Certification Program (ACP)

  • Applications are due on July 15th for fall admission and November 15th for spring admission.

 

Master of Arts in Teaching with Certification (ACP/MAT)

  • Applications are due on July 15th. Applicants accepted into the program will begin coursework in the spring semester of the upcoming year.

ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (ACP)
Our program is composed of three phases:  pre-internship candidacy, securing employment, and a one-year internship in a public school.  The pre-internship candidacy includes university coursework which requires six hours per week of field work in schools.  Participants in the program secure their own teaching job for their internship. During the internship year, the intern is a teacher of record, takes a minimum of one university course, attends university seminars, and prepares and takes the appropriate TExES exams.

Certification Areas included in the Alternative Certification Program:

  • EC-6 Elementary Generalist*
  • EC-6 Bilingual Generalist*
  • 4-8 Generalist*
  • 8-12 Secondary* (Areas of Specialization)

 

8-12 Secondary Areas of Specialization
1. Computer Science 4. Life Sciences 7. Science Composite
2. English/Language Arts/Reading 5. Mathematics 8. Social Studies Composite
3. History 6. Physical Sciences  

*Subject to changes from the Texas State Legislature, the Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC), and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). In secondary composite exams, specific content areas are highly recommended.

I. Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized university or college with
    • 2.5 GPA or higher in the last 60 hours of college level coursework
    • For Secondary Certification
      • 24 hours in area of specialization for Secondary Certification
      • 2.5 GPA in area of specialization
    • THEA scores or exemption approval. Score requirements:
      • Math 230
      • Reading 230
      • Writing 220
  • Submit ACP Application to College of Public Service Advising Office, C-420 by July 15th for fall admission and November 15th for spring admission.
  • Submit a receipt from the UHD Cashier for the ACP Application Processing Fee ($50).
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended . These transcripts must be in a sealed and stamped university envelope.
  • Submit three (3) ACP Reference Forms.
  • Admission to the University of Houston-Downtown (see catalog for fees)

II. Pre-Internship Candidacy

  • Applicant is admitted to the program.
  • Candidate successfully completes required coursework which includes 6 hours per week of field work in schools before starting his/her internship.
  • Candidate passes the appropriate TExES content exam.
  • Candidate is responsible for the fees associated with university coursework, tuition, books, and certification exams.
  • Candidate receives a Letter of Approval to secure employment with a school district.

III. Securing Employment

  • Candidate obtains a contract or "Letter of Intent to Hire" from a public school district.
  • Candidate signs a letter of agreement with University of Houston-Downtown to deduct $3,000 from his/her salary during the school year.
  • Candidate applies online for a one-year initial probationary teaching certificate.
  • Candidate completes required paperwork for UHD, Urban Education Department.
  • UHD, Urban Education Department, recommends candidate for probationary teaching certificate.

IV. Internship

  • Interns serve their internship for one school year. An intern is given a one-year probationary certificate by the State Board for Educator Certification. An intern is considered a "teacher of record" with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of any other first year teacher in Texas [Texas Education Code 13.306(2) and 13.037(a)].
  • During the one-year internship, each candidate has the support of a mentor teacher on his/her campus and a university supervisor.
  • During the one-year internship, candidates must:
    • complete the required coursework
    • pay fees for all university coursework, tuition, books
    • pay fees for all required exams
    • attend monthly seminars/activities
    • pass the appropriate TExES PPR exam
    • meet full appraisal requirements of the state and the local school district
    • be recommended for certification by the school principal, school mentor, UHD supervisor and UHD ACP Director.

V. Recommendation for Standard Certification

  • Intern satisfactorily completes all ACP requirements, has a GPA of 2.5, and is in good standing with the university.
  • Intern satisfactorily completes all requirements for certification.

ACP-Fall Start Flowchart
ACP-Spring Start Flowchart
ACP Application
ACP Application Checklist
ACP Reference Form

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MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING WITH CERTIFICATION (ACP / MAT)

The ACP/MAT program is composed of four phases:  pre-internship candidacy, securing employment, a one-year internship in a public school, and additional graduate coursework.  The pre-internship candidacy includes university coursework which requires six hours per week of field work in schools.  Participants in the program secure their own teaching job for their internship. During the internship year, the intern is a teacher of record, takes a minimum of one university course, attends university seminars, and prepares and takes the appropriate TExES exams.

 


Certification Areas included in the Master of Arts in Teaching with Certification (ACP / MAT):

  • EC-6 Elementary Generalist
  • EC-6 Bilingual Generalist
  • 4-8 Generalist
  • 8-12 Secondary (For Areas of Specialization see above)

Individuals interested in the Master of Arts in Teaching with Certification (ACP/MAT) must complete an ACP application and a Graduate Admissions application.


ACP/MAT Application Checklist
ACP/MAT EC-6 Elementary Generalist Flowchart
ACP/MAT EC-6 Bilingual Generalist Flowchart
ACP/MAT 4-8 Generalist Flowchart
ACP/MAT 8-12 Secondary Flowchart

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Helpful Links

UHD Catalog
Graduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions Application
Alternative Certification Application
Alternative Certification Reference Form
ACP Frequently Asked Questions
ACP / MAT Frequently Asked Questions
Post-Bac Certification Plan

 

Note:   Program Changes

The Department of Urban Education (DUE) Teacher Education and Certification programs are governed by regulations from the Texas State Legislature, the Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD).  Any new rulings or changes made by any of these entities in interpreting the rulings on educator certification may supersede the requirements of a student’s existing certification plan, degree plan, or post-bac certification plan. 


For additional information contact
College of Public Service Advising Office
Phone: (713) 221-8906 
Fax: (713) 226-5234
cohenm@uhd.edu

 

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Last updated or reviewed on 11/6/09

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