The Region 14 ESC Alternative Certification Program (ACP) provides an opportunity for individuals who have earned a college degree, but not a teaching certificate, to participate in an intensive certification program. This program is designed only for highly committed candidates who are able to excel in a fast-paced training environment. This is a short-term teacher preparation program. Qualified individuals who successfully complete the program are awarded a Standard Certificate that is recognized throughout the State of Texas. The ACP trainings will feature methods of teaching Science, including the required state approved TEKS curriculum. A one-year paid internship in lieu of student teaching will be required in a school district that has a need for a Science teacher.

Science (4-8)
Science (8-12)
Life Science (8-12)
Physical Science (8-12)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

√ Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

√ Completed application with official transcripts from all universities.

√ Payment of a nonrefundable $60.00 application fee.

√ Minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, OR 2.75 on last 60 hrs.

All Applicants:

Combination of 24 semester hours in math, social studies, natural sciences, and English - a minimum of 3 hours required in each of these 4 core subjects with a total GPA of 2.50 OR 30 points above passing on all areas of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) formerly TASP.

Science Applicants:

Composite/Grades 4-8 - 36 semester hours of specific coursework in science with a total GPA of 2.50 (12 hours upper division with a GPA of 2.50)

Composite/Grades 8-12 - 48 semester hours of specific coursework in science with a total GPA of 2.50 (12 hours upper division with GPA of 2.50).

Physical or Life Science 8-12 - 24 semester hours of specific coursework in science with a total GPA of 2.50 (12 hours upper division with a GPA of 2.50).

Official documentation of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA). The THEA is required of all applicants..

Acceptable score on Critical Thinking Test.

Interview and recommendation by the ESC Screening Committee.

Meeting application requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The number of interns must be limited.

Note:

Being accepted into the ACP does not guarantee employment by a school district. Upon being accepted and completing preservice training, the applicant must secure his/her own employment.

Intern Requirements:

Secure a contract from a school district as a probationary teacher. A position may be secured out of the region, but an additional $1,000 will be added to the cost of the program.


Complete an internship and satisfactorily complete all observations, trainings, and project requirements.


Earn a satisfactory score on the district's appraisal instrument.

Pass TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards).

Receive recommendations for certification by the principal and ESC Consultant.

The cost of the program is $5,000. A non-refundable payment of $1,000 is required upon acceptance into the program. The balance of $4,000 may be prorated over 10 months and payable to Region 14 in the form of payroll deduction.

This does not include:

> Cost of Supplies
> TExES Fees
> Certification Fees
> SBEC - Fingerprinting

Independent School Districts that hire intern teachers at a first year teacher's salary provide administrative supervision, evaluate the interns, and name a mentor for the school year. The current minimum state salary for a beginning teacher is $27,320.

Region 14 Education Service Center provides pre-service training in the spring and summer and on-going training throughout the internship. The ACP consultant monitors the program. The consultant maintains close contact with interns, mentors, and administrators to assist them in meeting all state requirementts. The consultant formally observes the intern a minimum of three (3) times during the year.

In Order to Receive Certification, the Intern Must:

Teach one full year as an intern on a probationary certificate.

Receive satisfactory score on the district's appraisal instrument.

Complete all training hours.

Complete all assignments and projects satisfactorily.

Pass TExES exams:
****Content Area
****EC-12 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilites.

Receive recommendations from both the principal and the ESC consultant for teacher certification.

Certificates awarded through ACP are recognized throughout the State of Texas commensurate to university teacher preparation programs.

Applications Accepted:
September 2, 2009
Through
November 13, 2009

Alternative Certification is also available in special education, math, counselor, principal and superintendent. A Masters Degree is also available in conjunction with Sul Ross University.

September 2, 2009 - November 13, 2009
Applications Accepted

November 14, 2009
Administration of Critical Thinking Test

November 16-20, 2009
Interviews

December 7, 2009
Notification of Acceptance

January 7, 2010
Beginning of ESC On-Going Training

January - May,2010
Classroom Observations and ESC Trainings

June 21-25, 2010
ESC Training

July 12-16, 2010
ESC Training

September, 2010 - April, 2011
On-Going Saturday Training -TBA

June, 2011
Summer Institute


*ACP Schedule is Subject to Change

Financial reimbursement available if grant requirements are met. This program is made possible by a 1.4 million dollar federal Transition to Teaching grant.

To Download an Application, return to the Homepage and click the appropriate program application packet displayed in bold print.
John Stevens, Associate Director/Alternative Certification Program
(325) 675-8630
jwstevens@esc14.net

Charlotte Taggart, Consultant for Science Alternative Certification
(325) 675-8684
ctaggart@esc14.net

Janice Hill, Secretary to the Associate Director
(325) 675-8605
jchill@esc14.net