Accelerated Teacher Certification Program

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The Accelerated Teacher Certification Program at Houston Community College is a state-approved comprehensive educator preparation program that trains individuals for Texas standard certification in elementary and secondary education.

Certificate areas that are offered:

• Bilingual Generalist (EC-6)
• Generalist (EC-6 or 4-8)
• English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies (4-8)
• History (8-12)
• Life Science (8-12)
• Mathematics (4-8 or 8-12)
• Physical Science (8-12)
• Science (4-8 or 8-12)
• Social Studies (4-8 or 8-12)
• Special Education (EC-12)

FAQ

What areas of certification are available?

• Bilingual Generalist (EC-6)
• Generalist (EC-6 or 4-8)
• English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies (4-8)
• History (8-12)
• Life Science (8-12)
• Mathematics (4-8 or 8-12)
• Physical Science (8-12)
• Science (4-8 or 8-12)
• Social Studies (4-8 or 8-12)
• Special Education (EC-12)

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What are the entrance requirements?

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
2. Overall grade point requirement of a 2.50 overall
3. Official college transcripts
4. Academic coursework in content area
5. Current copy of résumé
6. Must pass a scored interview
7. Must be able to meet program cost
8. Must be able to work legally in the United States
9. Bilingual certificate candidates must be proficient in Spanish        
10. TOEFL passing score (Internet-based (iBT) - 79), with a required score of 26 on the Speaking portion, if degree is from an institution of higher education in which primary instruction is not English                               

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What should I do if my degree is from a university outside the United States?
Transcripts must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service. Evaluations must include the educational degree equivalencies, overall grade point average, and course-by-course analysis. Evaluations are the responsibility and expense of the individual applicant. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is from an institution of higher education in which primary instruction is not English, you must submit passing scores from the TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language) internet-based (iBT) exam. Passing scores for internet-based (iBT) exam - 79, with a required score of 26 on the Speaking portion. For additional information on the TOEFL exam, visit http://www.ets.org/toefl. If primary instruction is English, evaluation must state the language of instruction.                    

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How long does it take to complete the program and how does the program work?
Approximately 18 months. (Duration may vary depending on individual needs and when an internship is secured & completed successfully.)
Approved candidates will undergo three phases: (1) content training, (2) pedagogy training, and (3) one-year internship. Candidates must take and pass TExES/BTLPT exams according to their certification area. (The internship is a paid teacher-of-record position, salary grades vary per district or school.)                                                   

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What happens during the course of the program?
Once approved, the candidate will receive an orientation to discuss program policies and procedures as well as program assignments and the internship. Content training will consist of 27 weeks (216 clock hours) of face-to-face training. The first semester of content training will be approximately 3 to 5 months (Spring: Jan.- May; Summer: June - mid August; Fall: August - Dec.). During the first semester, a content practice exam will be administered (if the candidate passes with an 80% or better and is currently in good standing, a release for registration for the TExES content exam will be approved). Towards the end of the semester, the 30 contact hours of classroom observation, 2 contact hours of field-based experience, and Comprehensive Investigation Report will be due and the content exam should be passed. 

The second semester of content training will continue on for about 4 more months (Spring: June - August; Summer: August - December; Fall: Jan. - May). During the second semester, the online pedagogy training will begin online and must be completed along with the remaining face-to-face classes. The online pedagogy will continue online after the second semester ends ( Spring: June - October; Summer: August - December; Fall: Jan. - June). After all the online pedagogy classes are completed (8 modules/classes) a pedagogy review will be conducted in preparation for the exam (once all pedagogy modules are complete with a 80% or better and in good standing, release for the TExES PPR EC-12 will be approved). 

The internship must be served in the Region IV service area which may include independent school districts, charter schools, private schools or parochial schools for a minimum of two semesters or 180 days. Internships outside this area must be discussed with the Program Director to assure program supervision availability and reciprocity with other region service centers. If the TExES content exam in your area of certification has been passed, you are eligible for hiring. Other requirements may have to be met upon the hiring school\'s request. Once a position as a teacher-of-record is secured and the program approves the internship, the program will recommend the Probationary Certificate to the candidate. Upon a successful completion of the internship and other program requirements, the Texas classroom Standard Certificate will be recommended and the candidate will complete the program.

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What do I need to include with my completed application for admission?

• School of Continuing Education online application (visit http://www.hccs.edu->click on Continuing Education->click on Registration->click on Continuing Education Admission)
• Official college or university transcript(s) of all institutions attended
• Accelerated Teacher Certification Program application
• TOEFL passing score (Internet-based (iBT) - 79), with a required score of 26 on the Speaking portion, if degree is from an institution of higher education in which primary instruction is not English    
• Résumé
• Application Fee $75 (money order or cashier’s check only, non-refundable) payable to "Houston Community College"                  

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How do I obtain an application?
Download application from the Accelerated Teacher Certification Program website at http://acp.hccs.edu or to request an application, please call the ACP Office at (713) 718-2856.                     

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When are applications due?
Applications are accepted year round. However, to be considered for a specific enrollment period, please refer to ATCP\'s Home page for upcoming semester deadline.                                                                                                                

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Where is the training held?
Training is held at the Fannin Building located at the Central Campus on either Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM or Saturdays 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Please note, courses are held based on enrollment. If not enough students enroll for the schedule you choose, you may choose the other schedule.                                                                 

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Does HCC help me get a job?
After acceptance into the program, each applicant is responsible for securing employment with a state-approved school. However, the program will disburse information of job fairs and other recruitment opportunities to teacher candidates in the program.                                           

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When will I be fully certified by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC)?
When candidate completes all program requirements (including the internship).                                

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Will this certification be issued by the state of Texas and be valid statewide?
Probationary and standard certificates will be issued by the State Board for Educator Certification and be recognized state-wide.                                                                                          

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How much does the program cost?

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Is financial assistance available?

• THECB Scholarship
• Troops to Teachers                                                              

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Program information may be subject to change without prior written notice.

Our Mission

The HCC – Accelerated Teacher Certification Program is dedicated to:

• Preparing individuals for Texas standard certification
• Engaging all students in an understanding of teaching and its role in education
• Offering high quality instruction, training and mentorship to ACP students
• Serving the education community as a resource and initiative for collaboration between the ACP, students, Region IV area schools including independent school districts, charter, private and parochial
• Introducing the community to the Accelerated Teacher Certification Program at Houston Community College

Overview

Educator preparation programs such as alternative certification programs began in the mid-1980’s as one way of minimizing the teacher shortage that was occurring across the nation.

In Texas, there are many factors that contributed to this shortage including a rising population growth, low recruitment and retention of teachers in the state’s educational system, and the large number of teachers retiring each year.

The term “alternative teacher certification” has been used to refer to non-traditional avenues to become licensed to teach. (Traditional methods have included an associate’s degree leading to a four-year college or an undergraduate degree plan at a four-year university.)

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) approved the Accelerated Teacher Certification Program at HCC in November 2002. The Board is guided by the philosophy that educators will create higher standards for preparation, practice, and conduct than others outside the profession, and that educators will rigorously uphold these standards.

The highlights of the Accelerated Teacher Certification Program include:

Elementary and Secondary level Texas teacher certifications in:

• Bilingual Generalist
• ESL Supplemental
• Generalist
• History
• Life Science
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Physical Science
• Science
• Social Studies
• Special Education
• Technology Applications 

Comprehensive and fast-tracked curriculums:

• Cohort-based training
• Convenient location
• Small class sizes
• Variety of training schedules
• Student advising services
• Mentoring program with master teachers

Information may be subject to change without prior written notice.

Requirements

What are the entrance requirements?

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Overall grade point average requirement of a 2.50 overall
• Official college transcripts
• Academic coursework in content area
• Current copy of résumé
• Must pass a scored interview
• Must be able to meet program cost
• Must be able to work legally in the United States
• Bilingual certificate candidates must be proficient in Spanish
• TOEFL passing score (Internet-based (iBT) - 79), with a required score of 26 on the Speaking portion, if degree is from an institution of higher education in which primary instruction is not English    

What are the requirements to complete the program?

1. Official college transcripts
2. Academic coursework in content area
3. Program content and pedagogy training classes with a Satisfactory, or "S"
4. All online pedagogy modules with a 80% or better per module
5. 30 contact hours of Pre-service Classroom Observations
6. 2 contact hours of Field-Based experience
7. Comprehensive Investigation Report with a 70% or better
8. Successful internship
9. Pass all required TExES/BTLPT exams
10. Receive a Satisfactory or above on district required evaluations
11. Payment of all fees
12. Recommendation by supervising administrator or principal
13. Signed letter of Statement of Eligibility
14. Recommendation by HCC\'s Accelerated Teacher Certification Program
15. Completer Survey

Content Prerequisites

For each certification area, there is a minimum number of semester hours that must be completed prior to program enrollment. Please submit official transcripts of all institutions attended; after which, the program will evaluate your transcripts and determine if you have met the prerequisites in your area of certification. 

• Bilingual/Generalist EC-6
• Generalist 4-8
• English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies 4-8*
• History 8-12
• Social Studies 4-8*
• Social Studies 8-12
• Mathematics 4-8*
• Mathematics 8-12
• Life Science 8-12
• Physical Science 8-12
• Science 4-8*
• Science 8-12
• Special Education EC-12**

Please note, if you do not meet the prerequisite requirements you will be considered ineligible but may complete the required coursework and begin at a later date. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam may be passed to receive credit hours of any missing coursework. Click here for more information.

Program applications are held on file for one year from the date submitted, after that time, you will need to re-apply to the Accelerated Teacher Certification Program.  

Bilingual Generalist EC-6, Generalist EC-6

• 6 English Language Arts and Reading
• 6 Mathematics
• 6 Science
• 6 Social Studies
• 3 Art
• 3 Music
• 3 Physical Education
• 3 Health
• 36 Total
  

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Generalist 4-8

• 9 English Language Arts and Reading
• 9 Mathematics
• 9 Science
• 9 Social Studies
• 36 Total

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English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies 4-8*

• 24 English Language Arts and Reading (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)
• 24 History, Geography, Economics, and Government (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)
• 48 Total
  

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History 8-12

• 24 World History, United States History, and Texas History (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)
• 24 Total
  

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Social Studies 4-8*, Social Studies 8-12

• 6 History
• 6 Geography
• 6 Economics
• 6 Government
• 24 Total  (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)
  

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Mathematics 4-8*, Mathematics 8-12

• 24 Mathematics
• 24 Total (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)
  

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Life Science 8-12

• 24 Life Science/Biology
• 24 Total (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)
  

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Physical Science 8-12

• 24 Physics, Chemistry, and Space Science
• 24 Total (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)

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Science 4-8*, Science 8-12

• 6 Life Science/Biology
• 6 Physics
• 6 Chemistry
• 6 Earth Science/Space Science
• 24 Total (12 semester hours must be advanced levels)

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Special Education EC-12**

• 6 English Language Arts and Reading
• 6 Mathematics
• 6 Science
• 6 Social Studies
• 24 Total

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*Single-subject 4-8 content areas must pass TExES Generalist EC-6 exam prior to internship in addition to subject content exam.

**For Special Education certification only, teaching at the elementary EC-6 grade levels, must pass the TExES Generalist exam prior to internship.

For teaching at the secondary 8-12 grade levels, must have 24 semester hours (12 hours must be upper levels) in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies or English academic coursework (coursework must be "C" or better) or can pass TExES content 8-12 exam in that subject area prior to internship.

Program Description

Certification is achieved through successful completion of training, state exams and teaching internship. The program takes approximately 18 months to complete. 

Training will reflect the state teacher proficiencies and TExES competencies. HCC – Accelerated Teacher Certification Program has created an individualized program to meet the needs of each content or certificate area.

Program training includes:

• 216 contact hours of content area education
• 103 contact hours in professional development 
• 30 contact hours of classroom observations
• 2 contact hours of field-based learning experience
• One year internship or employment with independent school district or state-accredited school
• Pass all state exams

During the second phase of the program, teachers will be employed full-time and supported by continuing professional development education.  A mentoring program based on the TxBESS standards will also be provided throughout the school year.

Mentoring Program

The Accelerated Teacher Certification Program strives to facilitate the career goals of its students and create a successful and meaningful experience that will prepare them to become competent teachers in Texas schools.

All students will participate in a mentoring component as part of the program requirements. Studies from the last few years have revealed that on-the-job nurturing and support by mentors can accelerate success and effectiveness among beginning teachers as well as help to retain educators in the teaching profession. In addition, experts conclude that an effective mentoring experience leads to the beginning teacher’s increased satisfaction and competence in teaching. Also, statistics show that professional growth of mentored teachers surpasses non-mentored teachers.

HCC’s mentoring philosophy is that the fundamental role of the mentor is to support and assist the student or pre-service teacher.  The role of the mentor is to help the individual to develop into an independent, fully functioning, reflective teacher who will regularly engage in problem-solving related to his or her own teaching. 

These are the goals of the HCC – Accelerated Teacher Certification Program mentoring program:

• Improve student/educator performance
• Increase student/educator retention during the pre-service training period
• Promote the personal and professional well-being of new ACP students and pre-service teachers

Mentor teachers will be selected by the HCC – Accelerated Teacher Certification Program mentoring committee to determine a most qualified and suitable match for the intern or novice teacher. The mentor and novice teacher’s understanding of each other’s roles and expectations is fundamental in establishing a basis for compatibility. 

For more information regarding the mentoring program, please contact the program coordinator at 713-718-8360 or email atcp@hccs.edu with further questions.

ACP Information Sessions

HCC–Accelerated Teacher Certification Program will be holding free information sessions!

Topics to be covered:  

• Program overview
• Training schedule
• Scholarship opportunities
• Paid internships

 Note: Park at meter. Free student parking is available across the building for students with a parking decal or visitors with a visitor parking permit. 

Please call ATCP Office, at (713) 718-2856 or email atcp@hccs.edu to reserve your seat today!

Information may be subject to change without prior written notice.

To Apply

Completed application packet must include the following:
1. Complete the School of Continuing Education online application and obtain your HCC Student ID # (Emplid).

2. Submit official college or university transcript(s) of all institutions attended (HCC official transcript is not required)

3. Complete the Accelerated Teacher Certification Program application

4. Submit the TOEFL passing score (Internet-based (iBT) - 79), with a required score of 26 on the Speaking portion, if degree is from an institution of higher education in which primary instruction is not English    

5. Submit a current copy of your résumé 

6. Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75 (money order or cashier check only) payable to "Houston Community College"

Spring 2013 

• Deadline: December 14, 2012
• Late Application Deadline: January 7, 2013

Submit completed application packet by person or mail to:

Houston Community College
Accelerated Teacher Certification Program
3601 Fannin St., Room 141
Houston, TX 77004-3913

All materials submitted will become the property of Houston Community College – Accelerated Teacher Certification Program.
The processing of applications takes approximately one week and applications are valid for one year. Applicants will be notified in writing immediately following the evaluation or interview.

INCOMPLETE PACKETS AND APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE EVALUATED

Application Process:

Applications will be evaluated for entrance requirements; a program interview will be scheduled for eligible applicants. If accepted, letter of program acceptance will be issued along with instructions on course registration and orientation information. 

Program Application

Tuition and Fees

Information may be subject to change without prior written notice.

Financial Assistance

Individuals may qualify for the following:

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/ 

Troops to Teachers
http://www.esc13.net/troops/

THECB Scholarship

The ATCP was recently awarded $34,000 in funds by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The funds will be awarded as scholarships to assist qualified students in reducing their tuition cost. Scholarship award amounts are between $800 - $1,200. 

Allocation scale

Criteria:

• 3.0 G.P.A. (undergraduate)   or
• Advanced degree   or
• Major in Science (must also be seeking Science certification)   or
• Major in Mathematics (must also be seeking Mathematics certification)  or
• Seeking Bilingual Generalist EC-6 certification

To Apply for Scholarship:

1. Complete application process for acceptance into Accelerated Teacher Certification Program
2. Must meet all program entrance requirements - no conditional waivers
3. Meet above criteria

For more information call 713.718.2856.

Award funding is on first come, first serve basis, limited, and can only be applied towards tuition. If awarded, applicant will receive award letter by mail and must agree to abide by the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of Houston Community College – Accelerated Teacher Certification Program.

Payment Options

Spring 2013

Payment Option #1

ACP tuition payment in full - $3,900 by 1st day of class.

Payment Option #2

ACP Installment Tuition Fee Schedule

(Payable by cash, check, money order, cashier check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover)

* Please note, a $30 installment fee is included in the first payment.

The ACP Payment Plan must be set-up in person at the HCCS - Central`s Business Office

Business Hours:

Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location:

Learning HUB/Science Building (LHSB)

1300 Holman, Suite 200

Houston, TX  77004

Click Here for Campus Map

Information may be subject to change without prior written notice.

Map

HCCS- Central
Fannin Building

Office Hours:  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
by appointment

3601 Fannin St., Room 141
Houston, Texas 77004-3913
Phone (713) 718-2856

Central Campus Map

Want Directions? Click Here!

Related Links

Contact Us

Accelerated Teacher Certification Program

(713) 718-2856

atcp@hccs.edu

HCC Central Campus - Fannin Building

3601 Fannin St.

Houston, Texas 77004-3913

Room 141