Meeting Texas’ need for certified teachers
Ladayadria Campbell began her career at Arlington ISD’s Ousley Junior High School nearly two years ago as a classroom assistant. When an opportunity arose to become a certified teacher through a partnership between The University of Texas at Arlington and AISD, she went for it.
Now, she’s a certified Special Education Social, Emotional and Academic Support teacher at Ousley, having met Texas Education Agency requirements through UTA’s Alternative Certification Program (ACP).
Launched in 2024, ACP is a fully online program designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching. Created by the College of Education’s faculty and staff in collaboration with district partners, ACP builds on the existing framework of UTA’s teacher and principal preparation programs.
“Our program is experiencing rapid growth and the impact on our communities is growing just as powerfully,” said Roneisha Below, director of ACP. “We have built strong partnerships, and through meaningful collaboration, we have significantly expanded our reach, ensuring candidates are well prepared for success and long-term retention in the field of education.”
Currently, 166 candidates are working towards their certification through the two-phase, self-paced program. As part of ACP, candidates receive not only the training and mentoring they need to pass the required certification exams, but they will have the content, knowledge and skills needed to be successful classroom teachers.
Within the next six months, nearly 20 candidates are expected to fulfill all certification requirements through ACP and enter classrooms as certified teachers.
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ACP is growing at a critical time, as the demand for more teachers persists and district leaders and lawmakers work to reduce the number of uncertified teachers in Texas classrooms.
“In the College of Education, we’re focused on preparing teachers for success in the classroom,” said Carla Amaro-Jiménez, interim associate dean for enrollment and strategic innovation. “We are committed to ensuring every teacher enters the classroom fully equipped to meet the diverse needs of every student, family, and community they serve.”
Once enrolled, candidates receive support from College of Education faculty and staff as they complete their modules, along with opportunities to participate in professional development webinars. During internships or clinical teaching, each candidate is assigned a field supervisor who provides guidance and support focused on growth.
“Anytime I had a question or needed help with one of the assignments, the UTA faculty and staff where always there, especially Ms. Below,” Campbell said. “It’s one of the things that stood out to me the most about UTA and this program: I felt very welcomed and supported.”
Since earning her certification, Campbell has had more opportunities become available to her, both professionally and personally.
“With my certification, I’m more confident in my skills as a classroom teacher,” she said. “I’m now paid as a full-time teacher and, overall, it’s opened up more ways for me to connect more deeply with my students, to give them the support they need and help them grow and succeed.”
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.