Texas rules on testing options for entry into teaching

On February 27, 2004 Texas moved one step closer to allowing college graduates to teach without traditional training.

TITLE: Temporary Teacher Certificate

HISTORY: Measure passed by State Board of Education on February 27, 2004; final vote by State Board for Educator Certification scheduled for April 2, 2004.

MOTIVATION: To help relieve the state’s teacher shortage, while allowing Texans with vast academic and real-world knowledge to share that knowledge and expertise with Texas schoolchildren.

GRADE LEVELS AND/ OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED:

Grades 8 through 12, all subjects.

WHO OPERATES: The State Board for Educator Certification.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM:

  • Bachelors degree or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education with an academic major or interdisciplinary academic major, including reading, other than education, that is related to at least one area of the individual’s chosen curriculum;
  • Perform satisfactorily on the appropriate certification exams in teaching methods and in subject matter;
  • Pass a criminal history background check.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The employing school district is required to provide intensive support during the first two years of employment, including mentoring, pre-service training (including training in classroom management and student discipline), and appropriate professional development.

WHO EVALUATES:

The employing school district and the State Board for Educator Certification.

LENGTH OF TIME:

Temporary certificates expire after two years unless the employing district takes affirmative action on the individual’s behalf based on a favorable review of the individual’s performance in which case the individual is issued a standard teaching certificate.

For more information visit: www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/tempcert.asp

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