Alternative Teacher Certification Program | Houston Community College (2023)

Alternative Teacher Certification Program | Houston Community College (1)

TheAlternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) at Houston Community College is a state-approved comprehensive educator preparation program (or EPP) that trains individuals for Texas standard certification in elementary and secondary education.

An EPP provides the training necessary for individuals without experience in a college-level teacher training program or with a major in another field, such as biology or art, to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to be a classroom teacher.

The followingitems are needed to become a certified classroom teacher in Texas:

  1. Obtain or possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accreditedcollege or university
  2. Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
  3. Register, take and pass required state certification exams for the certificate sought
  4. Apply for state certification upon the EPP’s recommendation (Fingerprinting is required as part of a criminal background check)
  5. Obtain a Texas Classroom Teacher Standard Certificate awarded through TEA

Once certified, Texas Standard Certificates are renewable every five years, provided you have completed required continuing professional education (CPE) credits.

Don’t have a Bachelor’s degree? See Teacher Education for Associate of Arts in Teaching.

Have a Bachelor’s degree? Apply directly to the Alternative Teacher Certification Program.

Already a Certified Classroom Teacher? See Out-of-State Certified Educators, Out-of-Country Certified Educators, Renewing a Standard Certificate, Additional Certification by Exam, or Professional Development Hours.

Program Accreditation
Overview
Certification Areas
Financial Assistance

Houston Community College —Alternative Teacher Certification Program is accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) oversees all aspects of the preparation and certification as well as standards of conduct of public school educators. The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. TEA provides staff support to the SBEC board.

For additional information regarding EPP accreditation ratings, pass rates, and annual performance reports, please visitConsumer Information.

For information on Supply and Demandfor teachers in Texas, please read thefollowing report from the Texas Education Agency.

To view HCC’s Performance Over Time Reports, please clickthis linkand scroll down the page until you see “Accountability System for Educator Preparation Annual Reports” with the latest reporting years. Please also see our recent status reports.

To file a complaint, refer to theStudent Handbookfor the complaints process. If the student is not satisfied with the complaint process or outcome, the student may file a complaint against the program with the Texas Education Agency. The official Texas Education Agency complaint process can be found attea.texas.govat the bottom of the page.

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Mission

The mission of the Houston Community College Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) is to provide aspiring educators with a quality education that equips program participants with the skills, competencies, knowledge, and cultural responsiveness necessary to provide effective student-centered classroom instruction to the twenty-first-century learner.

Vision

ATCP will transform K-12 Education by training, coaching, and mentoring highly qualified, effective classroom teachers to provide rigorous, data-driven, best practice instruction that will accommodate the needs of the twenty-first-century learner.

HCC's ATCPis considered an alternative certification program. It is designed primarily to prepare students for employment as an educator at the primary or secondary level.Upon successful completion, candidates receive a recommendation for their Standard Texas Educator Certificate.

ATCP- Course Schedule

Primary and Secondary Certification Area Scheduling Sequence

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Course Plan by Certification Area:

Rubric Number

Course Description

Contact Hours

Tuition

EC-6 Core Subjects; 4-8 Core Subjects; 4-8 ELAR; 4-8 ELAR/SS

ACP 4103

Cognitive Development, Literacy Strategies, and Special Education

48

$422

ACP 4201

Pre-Service Field Observation

*Contingent on campus availability

32

$422

ACP 4113

Content Preparation

48

$422

ACP 4203

Pedagogy for Curriculum and Instruction

48

$422

ACP 4213

Science of Teaching Reading I

24

$422

ACP 4303

Managing Culturally Diverse Classrooms

48

$422

ACP 4403

Professional Practices in an Educational Environment

48

$422

ACP 4513

Internship I

48

$422

ACP 4523

Internship II

48

$422

Total Certification Contact Hours /

416

Additional Supplemental Certification

Bilingual or ESL

ACP 5007 (Supplemental Certification Areas)

Total Certification Contact Hours + Supplemental Certification Area

464

$422

Please note that courses should be taken in sequential order

Estimated Cost of Course work

(Additional state and program fees may apply)

$4,220

Course Plan By Certification Area: Mathematics (4-8)/Science (4-8)/Social Studies (4-8)/Life Science (7-12)/Mathematics (7-12)/ Physical Science (6-12)/Science (7-12)/English Language Arts & Reading (7-12)/Special Education (EC-12)/Physical Education (EC-12

Rubric Number

Course Description

Contact Hours

Tuition

ACP 4103

Cognitive Development, Literacy Strategies, and Special Education

48

$422

ACP 4201

Pre-Service Field Observation

*Contingent on campus scheduling and availability

32

$422

ACP 4113

Content Preparation

48

$422

ACP 4203

Pedagogy for Curriculum and Instruction

48

$422

ACP 5006

(Secondary & Non STR))

Foundations of Reading

24

$422

ACP 4303

Managing Culturally Diverse Classrooms

48

$422

ACP 4403

Professional Practices in an Educational Environment

48

$422

ACP 4513

Internship I

48

$422

ACP 4523

Internship II

(Sat. 16 weeks)

48

$422

Total Certification Contact Hours

392

Additional Supplemental Certification

Bilingual or ESL

ACP 5007 (Supplemental Certification Areas)

Total Certification Contact Hours + Supplemental Certification Area

440

$422

Please note that courses should be taken in sequential order

Estimated Cost of Course work

(Additional state and program fees may apply)

$4,220

Elementary

  • Core Subjects (EC-6)

Middle School

  • Core Subjects (4-8)
  • English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies (4-8)
  • Mathematics (4-8)
  • Science (4-8)
  • Social Studies (4-8)

High School/Secondary Grade Levels

  • Life Science (7-12)
  • Mathematics (7-12)
  • Physical Science (6-12)
  • Science (7-12)
  • English Language Arts & Reading (7-12)

All Levels

  • Special Education (EC-12)
  • Physical Education (EC-12)

Supplemental (Not stand-alone certificates)(Mandated for all students accepted into the program on/after March 2022: Candidates must choose one of the following supplemental areas to add to their core certification area.)

  • Bilingual Education Supplemental-Spanish
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental

Even though you think you might not qualify, applying for financial aid and/or scholarships may help determine what resources are available to assist you with your educational goals.

Please see the Continuing EducationFinancial Aid Website for any available scholarships or grants approved for the Alternative Teacher Certification Program.

Individuals may qualify for the following:

  • HCC FoundationWorkforce Scholarship
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
  • Applicants must be seeking Mathematics, Science, Special Education, or Bilingual Certification for WIOA funds. An Individual Referral/Cost Obligation Form will only be issued to students that have been admitted into the program. It is recommended students apply to Workforce Solutions' scholarship at least 30-45 days prior to the term start date but earlier if possible.
  • The Alternative Teacher Certification Program now receives the following eligible VA Benefits:
    • Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)
    • Chapter 30 (Active Duty)
    • Chapter 1606 (ARNG & Reserve)
    • Chapter 1607 (REAP)
    • Chapter 35 (Dependents)

    For more information contact 713.718.8522 | vmassonline@hccs.edu

The Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) at HCC is a state-approved comprehensive educator preparation program (EPP) that trains individuals for Texas standard certification in elementary and secondary education.

Online resources

New Student Orientation Combined Shape Created with Sketch. Virtual Information Session Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Additional Resources

Resources
  • ATCP Student Handbook

If a student is not satisfied with the complaint process or outcome, the student may file a complaint against the program with the Texas Education Agency. The official Texas Education Agency complaint process can be foundhttp://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Contact_Us/Complaints/

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Program Cost

Description

Due Date

Cost

ACTP Tuition

Same asHCC payment deadlines.

**tuition assessed per class

Contact program for more information

Books

Varies according to certification area

Cost not included in tuition

TEA Technology Fee

Upon enrollment - payable to Texas Education Agency

$55.00

Other fees associated with completing the requirements for Teacher Certification by TEA (such as exams, background checks, finger printing, etc.) are outside of Program costs or expenses and are managed by other organizations. HCC ATCP keeps an updated requirements list with current costs and provides this information to students. However, HCC cannot guarantee that costs have not been changed recently by other organizations.

Background Check / Program Eligibility

Accord to the Texas Education Code chapter 227.1 (b):

Educator preparation programs (EPPs) shall inform all applicants that:

(1) pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator; and

(2) pursuant to the TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching.

Accord to the Texas Education Code chapter 227.1 (d):

EPPs shall notify, in writing by mail, personal delivery, facsimile, email, or an electronic notification, each applicant to and enrollee in the EPP of the following regardless of whether the applicant or enrollee has been convicted of an offense:

(1) the potential ineligibility of an individual who has been convicted of an offense for issuance of a certificate on completion of the EPP;

(2) the current State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules prescribed in §249.16 of this title (relating to Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21); and

(3) the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter as provided in Chapter 227, Subchapter B, of this title (relating to Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility).

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Texas Education Code 227

HCC Veteran Information

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.

Further information is available at VMASS Resource Centers on campus, on the website at www.hccs.edu/support-services/veteran-affairs, or by phone at 713-718-8522.

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FAQs

How do I get a teaching certificate if I already have a bachelor's degree in New York? ›

Once you've earned a bachelor's degree in teacher education, the next step toward becoming a certified teacher is completing and passing a series of New York State Teacher Certification Exams.

How do I get an alternative teaching certificate in Georgia? ›

To be eligible, candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a major in the subject that they wish to teach. Candidates apply to a Georgia approved educator preparation program and then complete the program requirements while teaching under individualized mentorship and professional coaching.

Which certification is best for teaching? ›

20 Best Certifications For Teachers
RankCertificationOrganization
1Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)BLI
2Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)Microsoft
3Child Development Associate (CDA)CECPR
4First Aid, CPR and AED InstructorNSC
16 more rows
Sep 9, 2021

Can I teach in NY without certification? ›

New York State requires that all teachers, school leaders (administrators), and pupil personnel service providers who are employed or wish to become employed in the State's public schools hold a New York State certificate.

Where can I teach without certification? ›

For example, some private, charter and not-for-profit schools don't require applicants to have a teaching degree or hold state licensure. If you want to teach in the public school system (either as an elementary or high-school subject teacher), however, you will need a teaching license or teaching credential.

Can I teach in NYS with a Bachelor's degree? ›

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) awards certification to teachers who meet the necessary education, training, and testing requirements for the state. To teach in New York, candidates must earn a bachelor's degree and/or complete a teacher preparation program and pass state certification exams.

Can you teach in GA without a certificate? ›

Prerequisite Coursework in Georgia

All states require that prospective teachers have at least a Bachelor's Degree to and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification.

How long does it take to complete the GA TAPP program? ›

NOTE: Candidates must allow 18 months to complete this program. Ensuring all certificate requirements are complete prior to the end of the program, including but not limited to: EPIC, GACE Assessments, and so forth.

Is there a teacher shortage in Georgia? ›

Georgia's attempt to draw experienced teachers back to the classroom comes as the state deals with a massive teacher shortage. According to the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, more than 56,000 retirees qualify but less than 100 have contacted the system about returning.

How long does it take to get a NYS teaching certificate? ›

A professional teaching certificate is an advanced certificate for teachers with a master's degree, a year of mentored teaching, and at least three years of teaching experience. It can take up to three to four months for the New York State Education Department to process your application.

How do I get my NYS teaching certification? ›

The required steps to obtain a New York educator certificate are as follows:
  1. Verification of background clearance by the state.
  2. Official transcripts showing proof of bachelor's degree.
  3. Proof of completing a teacher preparation program at an approved school.
  4. Passing scores on the required examinations.

How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›

Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

How much do teachers get paid? ›

As of Oct 14, 2022, the average monthly pay for a Teacher in the United States is $2,722 a month. While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $4,500 and as low as $1,292, the majority of Teacher salaries currently range between $1,958 (25th percentile) to $3,041 (75th percentile) across the United States.

How can I be a substitute teacher? ›

How to Become a Substitute Teacher
  1. Earn a bachelor's degree.
  2. Apply for a substitute teaching license, if required in your state.
  3. Take the tests required for substitute teacher licensure, if necessary.
  4. Once you are licensed, apply to your local school district's substitute teacher pool.

How do you become a licensed teacher? ›

The Bottom Line
  1. Complete your bachelor's degree.
  2. Complete student teaching (usually as your last semester of college)
  3. Pass the exam(s) required by your state.
  4. Obtain any required clearances, such as fingerprints or child abuse clearance.
  5. Apply for your certificate in the state you wish to teach.

Can you teach without license? ›

The Department of Education-National Capital Region (NCR) issued Regional Memo 78, s. 2018 that requires all private schools in the region to strictly comply with the prescribed license for all its teaching personnel, subject to exceptions provided by law.

Can you become a primary school teacher without a degree? ›

So yes you can become a teacher without a degree and hold QTLS, which the government states has parity with QTS in maintained primary and secondary schools. There is however no guarantee that the schools you apply for will consider the QTLS qualification as equal to applicants holding QTS.

How can I teach online without a degree? ›

9 online English teaching jobs, no degree required
  1. Preply. Preply is an online language learning platform where you can find online English teaching jobs. ...
  2. SayABC. ...
  3. Cambly. ...
  4. Palfish. ...
  5. Acadsoc. ...
  6. Amazing Talker. ...
  7. Skima Talk. ...
  8. Open English.
Apr 22, 2022

Can you teach in NY without a Masters? ›

New York State requires teachers to obtain a master's degree in teaching (or a related discipline) within five years of the completion of their initial degree. Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork.

What bachelor's degree is best for teaching? ›

Best College Majors to Become a Teacher
  • Education. As an education major you will explore what education entails and how to improve it, often with a focus on public K-12 education. ...
  • STEM. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Sociology. ...
  • History. ...
  • English/Liberal Arts. ...
  • General Tips to Becoming a Teacher.
Mar 19, 2021

How can I work in education without teaching? ›

How Do I Work in Education… Without Teaching?
  1. Academic Advising. ...
  2. School Counseling. ...
  3. Student Affairs. ...
  4. School Administration. ...
  5. Educational Research. ...
  6. Education-Based Non-Profit Organizations.
Feb 5, 2020

How long does it take to get a teaching license after bachelor's? ›

The other option is to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This is a one-year course full-time, but can only be done after first completing a three- or four-year bachelor's degree.

How do I get a teaching certificate in NY? ›

Apply for Your Initial Teaching Certificate in New York

Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. Pass required New York state teaching exams. Complete mandatory New York state child safety workshops.

What are the requirements for a teaching certificate? ›

Diploma in Teacher Education (Education Science)
  • Minimum grade C+ Plus in KCSE and above.
  • C+ (plus) in the two subjects specialization.
  • At least C plain in English.
  • C (plain) in Mathematics.
  • Minimum grade C Plus in KCSE and above and C+ (plus) in the two subjects specialization.

What is initial certification for teachers in NY? ›

The Initial Certificate is the entry-level teaching certificate for anyone who has completed a New York State teacher preparation program, or equivalent coursework and experience. The Initial Certificate is valid for five years.

What is the maximum age to become a teacher? ›

KPSC Age Limit and Age Relaxation

To apply for the teacher recruitment exam, a candidate must be between 21-42 years.

How much do teachers make an hour? ›

The average hourly wage for a Public School Teacher in the United States is $27 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $22 and $33.

How fast can you become a teacher? ›

It typically takes between four and five years to become a teacher. That is the length of time required to complete a bachelor's degree, which is the minimum qualification for teachers, whether they are teaching elementary, middle school or high school.

How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›

Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Do NYS teachers need a master's degree? ›

New York State requires teachers to obtain a master's degree in teaching (or a related discipline) within five years of the completion of their initial degree. Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork.

How much do NYC public school teachers make? ›

For 2021-22, starting salaries for teachers range from $61,070 (bachelor's degree, no prior teaching experience) to $83,972 (master's degree, eight years teaching experience, without additional coursework). New teachers with a master's degree but no prior teaching experience will earn $68,252.

What are the entry requirements for teaching? ›

There are two routes which you can choose from to become a teacher: 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd). 3-to-4-year Bachelor's degree, followed by 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

What are the minimum requirements for teaching? ›

4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd). 3-to-4-year Bachelor degree, followed by 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Is there a diploma in teaching? ›

A diploma in teaching is a qualification that is usually awarded through a technical or vocational school. This qualification in education usually takes 18 months to acquire while a degree is usually studied over four years. A diploma in teaching will often allow you to specialize in a certain field of teaching.

What is a Level 1 teaching assistant? ›

A Level 1 teaching assistant qualification is mainly geared towards preparing you for further study and work. You'll receive an introduction to the concepts that you'll be learning as you move onto further qualifications or the things you'll be dealing with on the job.

How do I become a teacher assistant in NY? ›

If you have at least one year of teaching experience in New York as a classroom teacher under a NYS classroom teaching certificate, you may proceed to Level III Teaching Assistant. All others should review the requirements for the certificate-level you are interested in receiving.

Do NYS professional teaching certificates expire? ›

Your Professional Certificate is valid indefinitely so long as you maintain the professional development (PD) standards of the New York State Department of Education during each five-year block. This includes completing 175 hours of PD every five years.

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