Alternative Certification Program for Teachers
About the Program
The College of Education’s Alternative Certification Program (ACP) is 100% online and designed for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in any area and would like to pursue a career in teaching.
Distinctive features include:
- Coursework designed by UTA faculty and staff in collaboration with school districts.
- Intensive mentoring support throughout the program.
- Professional support beyond classroom completion to ensure success and longevity in the classroom.
High Demand for Teachers
A Way to Give Back
Customized Learning Experience
Students will complete 300 hours of online, asynchronous modules designed to meet Texas Education Agency requirements for alterative certification and address topics such as:
- The role of the professional educator
- K-12 classroom management
- Instructional planning and delivery
- Formative and summative assessment
- Design of instruction to meet the needs of individual learners
Program Phases
Phase 1
Phase 2
After completing the initial training modules, completing 50 hours of classroom observations and early field experience, passing the TExES content exam, students have two options for completing Phase 2 of the program:
- Option 1—Internship: An internship offers the opportunity to complete two semesters of clinical experience while earning a teacher salary and serving as the teacher of record in a classroom.
- Option 2—Clinical Teaching: Clinical teaching typically takes one semester and is an unpaid apprenticeship where students work under the supervision of a certified classroom teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a certified teacher, there are some additional state-required fees that you will pay to outside agencies or companies:
- Certification Exam Preparation (Certify Teacher): $35 per exam
- Certification Exams: $116 per exam (additional fees may apply for some exams)
- Background Check and Fingerprinting: $52.20
- Intern Certificate: $78
- Standard Certificate: $78
How to Apply
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, have a minimum 2.5 overall GPA, and a 2.5 or higher GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework.