Educator Preparation Program

Texas College Educator Preparation Program

Mission of the Division of Education

The mission of the Division of Education is to prepare highly competent, successful, compassionate and enthusiastic teaching professionals dedicated to responsible service, educational leadership, continued professional growth and intellectual development. To enhance this mission, the Division of Education, Educator Preparation Program has the following goals:

Goals of the Educator Preparation Program

The goals of the Texas College Educator Preparation Program are to:

• To prepare highly competent, successful, compassionate and enthusiastic teaching professionals;
• To deliver programs with sound pedagogical and professional courses, and clinical practice;
• To utilize a variety of learner-centered instructional strategies that address student diversity;
• To train students to integrate instructional technology across the curriculum;
• To foster collaborations with external partners (e.g. school districts, public/private schools, regional service centers) for expanding students’ networking and career opportunities;
• To broaden student knowledge of and experience in best practices; and
• To provide authentic, real-world experiences and assessments.

Description of the Programs

The Texas College Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) are standards-based, learner-centered, and delivered in a collaborative, field-based environment. Technology skills and responsiveness to diversity are integral parts of the programs. As with all teacher preparation programs in Texas, each program completer has an academic specialization and a common core curriculum as a basis for the professional education sequence. Assessment of learner-centered outcomes is benchmarked throughout the program. Recommendation for certification is made by the College to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) when the program, including successful TExES testing in content area and pedagogy and professional responsibility, is completed.

Students in the various programs have a sequence of field experiences that are delivered in collaboration with partners in the public schools. Various schools in the East Texas area serve as sites for early field experiences for undergraduate students.

Certifications

Texas College offers certifications in the following areas:

• Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Early Childhood Education
• This program prepares students to assume paraprofessional positions and directors of Child Care Centers
• Bachelor of Science Degree
• Students may receive the Bachelor of Science Degree with Teacher Certification in the following areas:

Core Subjects (Grades EC-6) with STR ; English Language Arts and Reading with STR (Grades 4-8); Math and Science grades 4-8; English Language Arts and Reading, Math and Science grades 7-12; and Physical Education grades EC-12.

Pipeline to Preparation of Teachers in Texas

Requirements for the Educator Preparation Program

Students are required to successfully complete:

• 30 hours of clinical experience in the field prior to Clinical Teaching
• Fourteen (14) weeks of Clinical Teaching (split assignments) or one year’s internship (post baccalaureate)
• A minimum of 120 total credit hours of course work in the general core, content area and PPR courses, and
• All benchmark requirements for certification. 

Admission Criteria the Educator Preparation Program

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) requires that each teacher preparation program establish minimum criteria for admission that must be met by all teacher education candidates. Texas College requires that an applicant to the Educator Preparation Program:

19 TAC §227.1(c) 

Notifications: EPP and Program Information:  (3) in accordance with TEC, §21.044(e)(3); (A) the effect of supply and demand forces on the educator workforce in this state; and (B) the performance over time of the EPP for the past five years. 

Persuant to the TEC, 22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to the clinical teaching. 

• Cummulative GPA 2.75
• Successful completion of 59 credit hours (12 hours in the content area, 15 hours if science or math)
• TASP/THEA Scores: Reading 230, Math 230, Writing 230; OR
  • COMPASS Scores: Reading 80, Math 65, Writing 82/6 OR TSI Scores or Exemption: Reading 351, Math 350, Writing 5 or 4/363;
  • and other approved basic skills test scores.
• Successful completion of EDUC 2301 and EDUC 2302 (B or better)
• Complete an application to be admitted to the Texas College Educator Preparation Program and interview with Teacher Education Admission Committee. The following information should be submitted along with the application:
• Signed application for admission to the Educator Preparation Program
• An interview with a member of the Educator Preparation Program faculty
• An official college transcript(s)
• A Resume
• Copy of Degree Plan
• Copy of State ID
• Signed Ethics Letter
• Oral Proficiency Questionnaire (to be completed with a member of the education faculty)
• A Philosophy of Education (Typed using Microsoft Word (12 pitch)
• An autobiography (Typed using Microsoft Word (12 pitch)
• Three letters of reference from your College Professors/Work Study Supervisor (signed)
• Criminal Background Check
• Signed Texas College EPP Benchmarks Form acknowledging awareness of the Teacher Education Program policies, including the passing of the content area TExES exam prior to clinical teaching

Applications may be obtained from the Office of The Division of Education in Glass Building, Room 217.

Admission Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program

The main objective of the post-baccalaureate program is to allow persons with a bachelor‘s degree the opportunity to complete course requirements for teacher certification in the state of Texas. The post-baccalaureate teacher certification fields are:

• Core Subjects (Grades EC-6) with STR: Early Childhood and Elementary
• English, Language Arts and Reading with STR (Grades 4-8), Mathematics, Science grades 4-8
• Grades 7-12: English, Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Science
• Physical Education grades EC-12

Admission requirements for the post-baccalaureate certification program include:

• All persons requesting admission must take and pass the Texas Pre-Admission Content Test prior to applying for admission (PACT). (Passing the PACT does not guarantee admission into the program.)
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Official college transcripts that must be evaluated by the Texas College EPP and recommendations made utilizing a Deficiency Plan which outlines specific requirements as a condition of their acceptance into the program
• All international students must take and pass the TOEFL exam of English Fluency.
• All international student transcript must be evaluated by a TEA-approved assessor.

Teacher Education Scholarships

Criteria

Teacher Education Scholarships are awarded to encourage enrollment and retention in the Educator Preparation Program so that students graduate as certified teachers. As a result, considerations are made for student’s progress in the curriculum and potential to become good teachers. The program is designed to provide learning experiences that will assist students in developing into highly competent and effective teachers of students EC-12. To fulfill the Texas College mission, the following values are ensured: 1) academic excellence, 2) integrity, 3) perseverance, 4) social responsibility, 5) tolerance, and 6) community service.

Candidates for the scholarships must meet the following guidelines:

• Be in good academic standing at Texas College with a cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Be in good financial standing with Texas College
• Successfully complete and pass at least 27 credit hours
• Submit a completed application for the Teacher Education Scholarships
• Demonstrate a professional attitude at all times
• Complete Benchmark Level I and be working toward completing II, III, and IV

The Division of Education committee will review all applications to ensure that guidelines have been met. The chair of the Division of Education will then make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Business and Finance.

Recommended Order of Study for Courses in Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities

It is recommended that students take the PPR courses in this order to facilitate the learning process. EDUC 2301 Foundations of Teaching is the gateway course to the Educator Preparation Program and should be taken first and EDUC 4303 Capstone should be taken after the completion of all PPR courses. It serves as a review and preparation to take the content area and PPR TExES exams. The candidate must have completed all coursework and have passed the content area exam prior to the clinical teaching semester. During the student teaching semester, the candidate must take and pass the PPR exam.

Assessment Requirements

THEA/COMPASS Testing

All teacher candidates in Texas must demonstrate basic skills in reading, written communication and math. At Texas College, you can meet this requirement through scores acquired from taking from the THEA, TSI, ASSETT or other equivalent exam as determined by the EPP. No student seeking certification through Texas College is exempt from taking one of these exams and making the required scores.

The ASSETT is offered regularly at Texas College through the Student Learning Center located in the campus library. Information on dates, location, and registration can be found at www.texascollege.edu. The cost of the test is free to all Texas College students. This exam includes two scores for written communication—one for sentence skills and the other for essay writing.

Students who choose to take the THEA can contact local community colleges and universities for their next available Quick THEA. For state-administered dates, go to www.thea.nesinc.com. You may take one, two, or all three parts of the THEA at any administration. You do not need to take the THEA if you have already met the TASP requirement.  

Taking The TExES (Texas Examination of Educator Standards)

The Texas Education Agency requires that all students seeking certification in Texas perform satisfactorily on comprehensive examinations. Students must pass an exam in their content area and in the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities course work.

• Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
• Core Subjects with STR (Grades EC-6)
• English Language Arts and Reading with STR (Grades 4-8)
• Math and Science grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading, Math and Science grades 7-12
• Physical Education grades EC-12.

Eligibility Requirements for Clinical Teaching

Students preparing for their clinical teaching semester must meet the following steps to eligibility:

1. Pursuant to the TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching;
2. All course work must be completed the semester prior to student teaching;
3. All students must meet all benchmarks listed in the Educator Preparation Program;
4. Educator Preparation Folder must contain all documents listed on the benchmark list;
5. Complete a student teacher application;
6. Transcript audited for coursework completion and eligibility for student teaching by the Chair of the Division or Director of Teacher Education;
7. Students must obtain their certified teacher login at the beginning of their PPR Capstone course.
8. Students must score 80% or higher on each competency on the Certifiedteacher practice exam to become eligible for approval to take their TExES exam;
9. Students must take and pass their content exam prior to their approval to student teach.

Recommendation for Certification

After becoming a program completer/finisher (successfully completing all coursework as outlined on the degree plan, successful completion of clinical teaching and obtaining passing scores on both sections of the TExES exams (content and PPR) candidates can be recommended for standard certification in Texas.

Educator Preparation Program Survey

TAC §229.3(2)—Participants in an Educator Preparation Program must complete a survey evaluating the preparation he or she received in the EPP. Completion and submission to the SBEC of the survey is a requirement for issuance of a standard certificate. Students must complete the SB 174 Teacher Exit Survey prior to recommendation for the Standard Teaching Certificate. Computers will be provided to the students for this purpose or they may use the Teacher Education Computer Lab.

Filing a Complaint in Texas

Complaint (noun):  Expressing of dissatisfaction; the act of expressing dissatisfaction with something (Encarta Dictionary)

When you resolve your complaints or disagreements at the local level, everyone benefits, most importantly your child.  It is a good practice for parents to try one more ARD/IEP meeting to attempt to resolve any disagreements before moving on to the formal complaint process. See also the Overview of the Complaints Process and What to Know, Who to Call.

However, when you have run out of local level options and you believe state or federal education requirements have been/are being violated, you may wish to seek resolution through the Texas Education Agency’s complaints process.  A complaint is usually the first step in the dispute resolution process.  The Texas Education Agency is required to investigate complaints that violate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or any state special education law or rule.

What Do I Need to Know About Filing a Complaint?

1. Any grievances are to begin with the immediate chair of the division.
2. If resolution cannot be obtained, you may pursue the TEA Complaint Procedures.
3. TEA will not investigate complaints that do not specifically violate the law. If you are unsure if your complaint is a violation of the law, contact TEA’s Special Education Information Center to help you determine if your concern can be addressed through the complaints process. You can reach the Special Education Information Center toll-free at 1-855-SPEDTEX (1-855-773-3839). SPEDTex hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
4. In order for TEA to investigate a complaint, you must file your complaint in writing, stating that you are filing a complaint and asking TEA to investigate. The complaint must be signed and you must send a copy of the complaint to the institution at the same time. Many believe that a phone call to TEA will serve as a complaint. It does not.
5. Your complaint must state the violations you believe have occurred and include the specific facts on which your complaint is based. The parent must provide at least two facts that support each allegation. Supporting documents may be attached as evidence. Documentation is key.
6. Your complaint must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.
7. Complaints filed with TEA do not cost anything and does not require hiring an attorney.
8. Filing a complaint does not take away the right to request mediation or due process. However, a complaint and a due process hearing may not be pursued at the same time if the issues are the same. TEA cannot investigate a complaint that is also the subject of a due process hearing or that is subject to a due process hearing in which a decision has been made.
9. A complaint form is available on the TEA website in English and Spanish.  This form is not required to file a complaint, but may serve as a good guide. 

Please note: the person or agency filing the complaint is called a “Complainant”. 

Once TEA and your institution has received your complaint, the institution may wish to resolve your complaint locally.  Perhaps you and the institution can reach an agreement that will resolve your complaint. If this happens, you will be asked to send a letter to the investigator withdrawing your complaint. Perhaps you and the institution can agree to go to mediation. 

However, if your complaint is not resolved at the local level or you do not wish to go to mediation, the institution may submit an early resolution proposal (ERP) to TEA. TEA then will have the option to accept the early resolution proposal or to reject it. If TEA does not accept the early resolution proposal, it will then investigate your complaint and make a determination.    According to federal law, TEA has 60 days to investigate the complaint unless there are circumstances that make it necessary to extend the timelines. A written decision, including findings of fact and conclusions, will be sent to complainant upon completion. More information, including specific timelines, can be found here:  http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147497560 

Address Complaints to:

Texas Education Agency
Division of IDEA Coordination
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701-1494

You may also fax your complaint to TEA at 512-463-9560. 

Program Consolidation, Change of Ownership or Closure

In keeping with the policy of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas College has procedures in place to ensure that (1) all issues relevant to the Education Preparation Program consolidation, more than 50% ownership changes or closure, will provide written, signed notification to TEA within the designated TEA timeframe, (2) contact candidates about next steps and retain records, (3) identify a future contact and/or transfer of candidate records and (4) submit required data to TEA.