College of Public Service

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with 2.5 GPA overall​
• Application for Teacher Candidacy
• Entrance Exams
• Passing score(s) on appropriate TExES Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)​
  

EC = Early Childhood

Applications

UHD University Application

• Due August 1 for fall; December 15 for spring
• $35 non-refundable application fee
• Submit online

UHD Alternative Certification Program (ACP) Application​

• Due August 1 for fall; December 15 for spring
• $50 non-refundable application fee (paid to UHD Cashier); retain receipt
• Submit to UHD Department of Education, C440 with receipt
• Three (3) Professional Recommendations​

Recommendation Form​​

Phase 1: Your Pre-Internship Candidacy (Semesters 1 and 2)

After being admitted to the program as a candidate:

• Students applying for fall admission will complete the following coursework during their first two semesters

*Course requires 6 hours per week (60 clock hours total) of fieldwork in an assigned public school

• After successful completion of first semester courses, obtain permission to test for the appropriate TExES Supplemental Exam (except 7-12 students)

• Students applying for spring admission will complete the following coursework during their first two semesters

*Course requires 6 hours per week (60 clock hours total) of fieldwork in an assigned public school

• After successful completion of Summer I courses, obtain permission to test for the appropriate TExES Supplemental Exam (except 7-12 students)

All students, regardless of starting semester will:

• Pay fees associated with university coursework, tuition, books, etc.
• Upon successful completion of second semester courses, get Statement of Eligibility packet from the UHD Certification Coordinator to seek and secure employment for a one-year teaching internship in your grade and certification area in a Texas Education Agency accredited school. Internships should begin in August.

Phase 2: Securing Employment for your Internship

• Submit completed forms and public school district employment contract to UHD Certification Coordinator.
• See academic advisor to register for SOSE 4304 (and any outstanding UHD coursework) to be taken with internship and pay necessary tuition and fees.
• Apply and pay for a one-year probationary teaching certificate and fingerprinting with Texas Education Agency online (TEAL).
• UHD Department of Urban education then recommends candidate for probationary teaching certificate. 

Phase 3: Your Internship (Semesters 3 and 4)

• The internship is for one school year
• An intern is the "teacher of record" with all rights, privileges, and responsibilities of any other teacher in Texas [Texas Education Code 13.306(2) and 13.037(a)] and must abide by the Teacher Code of Ethics (Texas Administrative Code 19.7§247).
• Candidate pays to UHD a $4,000 internship fee to UHD Cashier's Office (payment plans available) and a separate mentor fee to the hiring school district (cost and payment options vary by school district)
• Each candidate is supported by a mentor teacher on her/his campus, university faculty during SOSE 4304, and a UHD field supervisor.
• During the one-year internship, candidates must:
• Attend required professional development seminars/workshops
• Pass the TExES EC-12 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam (if not previously passed)
• Successfully complete state and school district appraisal requirements
• Be recommended for certification by the school principal, school mentor, UHD field supervisor, and UHD Director of Postgraduate Programs
• Submit an e-portfolio for the internship year

Phase 4: After your Internship

• Apply and pay for your standard teaching certification through your TEAL online account
• Complete UHD Recommendation Request Form

Alternative Certification Program candidates must:

• Comply with the Teacher Educator Code of Ethics (TAC 19.7.247)
• Understand that, as state guidelines change, program revisions occur to ensure that the UHD Urban Education Alternative Certification Program remains in compliance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas Education Agency (TEA) regulations and guidelines. 
• Realize that students are responsible for keeping up with revision that affect individualized degree plans. Students should contact their advisor regularly and monitor the TEA website for teacher certification changes.