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TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS AND REQUIREMENTS

Students seeking teacher certification should be aware that certification requirements in the State of Texas are established and enforced by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Because of this, certification policies and requirements have the potential to change during the course of students’ academic careers. Students are encouraged to stay in close contact with the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) Advising and Certification Center throughout their academic careers so that they will be informed of changes as they occur.

General Information

UTSA offers programs for preparation as early childhood and elementary (EC–4), middle school (4–8), high school (8–12), and all-level teachers (EC–12). UTSA also has professional certification programs at the graduate level for students seeking professional licensure.

  • Students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree together with certification (undergraduate students) should refer to the “Teacher Certification Programs for Undergraduate Students” section of this catalog.
  • Students who have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education but are not certified to teach in any state (postbaccalaureate students) should contact the COEHD Advising and Certification Center to obtain the schedule for postbaccalaureate informational seminars.
  • Students who have an earned bachelor’s degree and are not certified to teach in any state who wish to pursue teacher certification at the graduate level concurrently with a master’s degree should contact the Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction (Teaching) [MAECIT] program coordinator. The MAECIT program is for all-level Special Education Certification or for Early Childhood Elementary (EC–4) generalist certification and EC–4 Bilingual Generalist.
  • Students who have an earned bachelor’s degree and are not certified to teach in any state who wish to pursue alternative certification should contact the Region 20 Education Service Center for information about the Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP).
  • Students who have an earned bachelor’s degree and are certified to teach in a state other than Texas or in a foreign country should contact the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) at 888-863-5880 for information about out-of-state or out-of-country licensure.
  • Students seeking certification as a School Counselor, Master Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist, Principal, or Superintendent should consult the current UTSA Graduate Catalog and a graduate faculty advisor for information about master’s degree and professional certification programs.

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TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The following describes undergraduate programs for students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree concurrently with teacher certification:

  • Undergraduate students interested in teaching pre-kinder, kindergarten, and first through fourth grades will declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) with teacher certification in EC–4 Generalist. These students should refer to the section of this catalog for the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood–Grade 4 Generalist concentration). Degree and certification advising for this program is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification Center advisors.
  • Undergraduate students interested in teaching in fourth through eighth grades will declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) with teacher certification in Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, or Mathematics/Science. These students should refer to the section of this catalog for the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (grades 4–8 concentrations). Degree and certification advising for this program is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification Center advisors.
  • Undergraduate students interested in teaching bilingual pre-kinder, kindergarten, and first through fourth grades will declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) with teacher certification in EC–4 Bilingual Generalist. These students should refer to the section of this catalog for the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood–Grade 4 Bilingual Generalist concentration). Degree and certification advising for this program is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification Center advisors.
  • Undergraduate students interested in teaching bilingual fourth through eighth grades will declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) with teacher certification in Bilingual 4–8 Generalist. These students should refer to the section of this catalog for the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Grades 4–8 Bilingual Generalist certification concentration). Degree and certification advising for this program is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification Center advisors.
  • Undergraduate students interested in teaching English as a Second Language in fourth through eighth grades will declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) with teacher certification in English as a Second Language Generalist 4–8, Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies. These students should refer to the section of this catalog for the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (English as a Second Language Generalist 4–8 concentration). Degree and certification advising for this program is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification Center advisors.
  • Undergraduate students interested in teaching Special Education will declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) with Special Education Certification EC–12. These students should refer to the section of this catalog for the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (All-Level Special Education). Degree and certification advising for this program is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification advisors.
  • Undergraduate students interested in teaching in eighth through twelfth grades will declare a major in the academic area in which they plan to teach. These students will refer to the “Secondary Certification Programs” section of this catalog for information about specialized core curriculum and professional education coursework for which they will enroll concurrently with degree requirements. Students seeking secondary certification are advised to stay in close contact with COEHD Advising and CertificationCenter advisors.
  • Students interested in teaching physical education in pre-kinder through twelfth grades will declare a major in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Teacher Preparation. These students should refer to the “Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology” section of this catalog for degree and certification requirements. Degree and certification advising for this program is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification Center advisors.
  • Students interested in teaching music in pre-kinder through twelfth grades will declare a major in Music with a concentration in Music Studies and will choose either the Instrumental or Choral Music tracks. These students will refer to the “Bachelor of Music with a Music Studies Concentration” section in this catalog for information about degree and certification requirements. Degree advising for this program is conducted by faculty and academic advisors in the Department of Music, while certification advising is conducted by COEHD Advising and Certification Center advisors.

Standards

Certificate programs have been designed to meet the standards for teacher certification set by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). UTSA is approved to recommend individuals for these certificates if the individual has completed all requirements for the certificate sought.

The State of Texas utilizes the “approved program” concept in its system of teacher certification. The State:

  • establishes the regulations and standards by which teachers are certified (the requirements are independent of college or university degree requirements);
  • approves colleges and universities to recommend students for teacher certificates in areas where programs have been found to be in conformity with State standards and are on file with the State; and
  • issues the teacher certificate directly to the student, upon recommendation of an approved college or university.

Applying for the Teacher Certificate

Upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree, the certification program, required examinations, and student teaching (or an approved substitution for student teaching), students must apply for their certificate online at the SBEC Web site: www.sbec.state.tx.us.

Additional eligibility requirements for recommendation for the teacher certificate include a 2.50 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale, good standing status at UTSA (not on academic probation), and the recommendation of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD).

Upon completion of processing by the Advising and Certification Center and by SBEC, the teacher certificate will be sent directly to the student.

Student Fitness to Teach Policy

The College of Education and Human Development has a responsibility to the educational community to ensure that individuals whom UTSA recommends to the State of Texas for teaching certification are worthy to join the teaching profession. All teacher candidates in the UTSA Teacher Certification Program (TCP) are expected to demonstrate that they are prepared to teach children and youth. This preparation results from the combination of successful completion of University coursework and the demonstration of important human characteristics and dispositions that all teachers should possess. Consult the UTSA Handbook of Operating Procedures Section 5.17 at http://www.utsa.edu/hop/ or the COEHD Web site at http://coehd.utsa.edu/ for a copy of the Fitness to Teach Policy.

Criminal History Check

During each semester in which field-based courses are taken, students will be required to submit to a Criminal Record Check. For further information about criminal history check procedures, consult the COEHD Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.

Teaching Certificates for Persons with Criminal Background

State guidelines read as follows: “In accordance with Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statutes, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) may suspend or revoke a teacher certificate or refuse to issue a teacher certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession.”

Certification in States Other than Texas

Once certified in Texas, teachers who move out of state may consult the NASDTEC Interstate Contract Web site at http://www.nasdtec.org to determine if Texas has reciprocity with the state of relocation. If the state in question requires an out-of-state document to be completed, it should be forwarded to the UTSA Certification Officer in the COEHD Advising and Certification Center.

Students moving out of state before having completed all requirements for teacher certification in Texas will be required to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program once relocated.

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Policies

Appeals

  • Appeal of Certification Requirements

    Students wishing to appeal admission requirements to the UTSA teacher certification program, prerequisite requirements, and/or coursework requirements should obtain instructions in the COEHD Advising and Certification Center on filing an appeal with the COEHD Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is composed of COEHD faculty representatives and meets once per semester.

  • Appeal of Nonrecommendation

    If a student does not meet certification requirements, the UTSA Certification Officer notifies the student that he or she will not be recommended for certification, and includes information regarding the appeal process available to the student. A student appeal is submitted to the COEHD Advising and Certification Center. The UTSA Certification Officer reviews the student’s file and recommends action to the COEHD Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, who makes a decision on the appeal and so notifies the student. The student may then appeal this decision directly to the University Standing Committee on Teacher Education. If the student appeals, the Committee makes its recommendation to the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development for submission to the Provost and Executive Vice President. The Provost and Executive Vice President notifies the student of the decision through the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

Course Substitutions

UTSA certification programs have been carefully designed to meet State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) standards and to prepare UTSA students to pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). It is, therefore, in the student’s best interest to follow the approved certification program. Course substitutions are granted only in extenuating circumstances and only if appropriate substitutions are available. All requests for substitutions must be filed in writing with the COEHD Advising and Certification Center before the individual registers for the course. Requested course submissions must match the required course in content, intent, and level.

Restricted Education Courses

Restricted Education courses have strict prerequisites as specified by COEHD faculty. In order to register for a restricted course, a student must apply for advisor authorization. The COEHD Advising and Certification Center accepts applications for advisor authorization from approximately three weeks before registration begins until the registration process is complete. Restricted Professional Development courses are as follows:

Waivers

Individuals who wish to request a waiver of course requirements should first contact the COEHD Advising and Certification, Center to determine if the requirement is a UTSA or a State Board for Educator Certification requirement. Individuals who wish to request a waiver of a UTSA requirement must file a written request with the COEHD Advising and Certification Center. Waivers cannot be granted for the requirements mandated by the State Board for Educator Certification.

Requirements for Admission to the Teacher Certification Program

Consult the UTSA Information bulletin for additional admission requirements to the UTSA teacher certification program.

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Student Teaching

Student teaching is an extremely important component of the certification program. The primary purpose of student teaching is to apply what has been learned in university courses to the professional setting (i.e., an actual classroom). IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE STUDENT TEACHING COMPONENT OF THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM WILL BE COMPLETED THROUGH UTSA.

Admission to Student Teaching

Admission to the professional semester of student teaching must be requested by formal application during the semester before the student plans to student teach. A meeting will be held early in the semester to disseminate application information. The deadline for the application for students who plan to student teach in the Fall Semester is February 15. For students planning to student teach in the Spring Semester, the deadline for the application is October 1. Acceptance into the student teaching program is contingent upon completion of the following requirements:

  1. Admission to the UTSA Teacher Certification Program; consult the current UTSA Information bulletin for admission requirements.
  2. A 2.5 cumulative grade point average on all college work attempted.
  3. Completion of the Professional Education coursework (please refer to course descriptions for specific grade requirements for your program’s student teaching course) and lacking no more than 6 hours of degree or certification requirements:
    EC–4: 21 semester credit hours of Professional Education: C&I 4303, C&I 4403, ECE 4143, ECE 4203, EDP 3133, RDG 3823, RDG 4733.
    Bilingual EC–4: BBL 4033, BBL 4063, BBL 4073, BBL 4403.
    4–8: 15 semester credit hours: Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies: C&I 4533, C&I 4543, C&I 4553, EDP 3303, EDP 4203.
    4–8: 15 semester credit hours: Mathematics/Science: C&I 4433, C&I 4443, C&I 4603, EDP 3303, EDP 4203.
    Bilingual 4–8: BBL 4033, BBL 4063, BBL 4073, BBL 4603.
    English as a Second Language 4-8: C&I 4533, ESL 4003, EDP 3303, EDP 4203, EDU 2103.
    Secondary: Lacking no more than 6 hours in content area and: C&I 4203, EDP 3203, EDP 4203, RDG 3773.
    All-Level Physical Education: EDP 3203, KIN 4203, KIN 4303, RDG 3773.
    All-Level Music: C&I 4203, C&I 4213, EDP 2113, RDG 3773.
    All-Level Special Education: SPE 3603, SPE 3623, SPE 3633, SPE 3643, SPE 3653, SPE 4613, SPE 4623, and SPE 4633.
    All-Level Health: C&I 4203, EDU 2103, EDP 3203, EDP 3133 or EDP 3303, and RDG 3773.
  4. Students seeking supplementary certification in English as a Second Language should consult an advisor regarding additional course requirements.
  5. Presentation of a negative tuberculosis report, as specified by the school district, from a licensed physician, valid at the time of registration for student teaching.
  6. Approval of the Director of Student Teaching.
  7. Students will be required to submit a Criminal Record Check Authorization form.

NOTE: The Professional Semester is a full-time commitment. The student teaching semester is 15 weeks with time divided between school campuses and UTSA. A student teacher must follow the same schedule as his or her cooperating teacher in the public schools for 12 weeks of consecutive, full-day, full-time student teaching; therefore, it is not possible to register for other courses that meet in the daytime hours. Since performance in the student teaching semester is a key factor used by school districts in evaluating an applicant’s potential as a teacher, it is recommended that the individual not attempt to work during the student teaching semester. There is no special provision for financial support of student teachers.

Student Teaching Seminar

At the beginning of the student teaching semester, but before student teaching actually begins, individuals will be notified of a mandatory seminar conducted by the Career Services Center. During this seminar, Career Services, the Director of Student Teaching, and the COEHD Advising and Certification Center staff will provide information about the TExES, services offered, and applying for the certificate. Guest speakers will be available to address such topics as the Texas Student Education Association (TSEA) and interviewing techniques. ALL prospective student teachers must attend this seminar during the student teaching semester.

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