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Free Information Session September 8, 2010 Call (713) 718-8360 today to reserve your seat! | Spring 2011 Session Spring 2011 training begins on January 24, 2011 Application Deadline: November 30, 2010 |
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The Accelerated Teacher Certification Program at Houston Community College is a state-approved comprehensive educator preparation program that train individuals for Texas standard certification in elementary and secondary education.
Certificate areas that are currently offered:
- Bilingual Generalist (EC-6)
- English Language Arts & Reading/ Social Studies (4-8)
- ESL Supplemental (all levels)
- Generalist (EC-6 or 4-8)
- History (8-12)
- Life Science (8-12)
- Mathematics (4-8 or 8-12)
- Physical Education (EC-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, 4-8)
- English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies (4-8)
- ESL Supplemental (all levels)
- History (8-12)
- Life Science (8-12)
- Mathematics (4-8, 8-12)
- Physical Education (EC-12)
- Physical Science (8-12)
- Science (4-8, 8-12)
- Social Studies (4-8, 8-12)
- Special Education (EC-12)
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What are the entrance requirements?
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
- Overall grade point requirement:
- 3.0 on advanced degree or
- 2.50 on Bachelor’s degree or
- 2.50 overall
- Official college transcripts
- Academic coursework in content area
- THEA scores (Mathematics 250, Reading 250, Writing 220)
- 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 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.
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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.)
Approved candidates will undergo two semesters of content and pedagogy training, take and pass TExES/BTLPT exams and also complete a one-year internship. (The internship is a paid teacher-of-record position, salary grades vary per district or school.)
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What do I need to include with my completed application for admission?
- Application
- Official college transcripts
- THEA scores
- Résumé
- Application Fee $75 (money order or cashier’s check only, non-refundable)
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How do I obtain an application?
Download application from the Accelerated Teacher Certification Program web site at http://acp.hccs.edu or to request an application, please call the ACP Office at (713) 718-8185.
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When are applications due?
Applications are accepted year round. However, to be considered for a specific enrollment period, application for spring 2011 is due by November 30, 2010 – Cohort Orientation for accepted applicants is January 24, 2011.
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Where is the training held?
Central Campus 1/25/11 – 8/4/11 Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM or
1/29/11 – 8/6/11 Saturdays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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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.
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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?
| Program Tuition | $3,900 (installment plan or financial aid available) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Textbooks | $250 |
| TExES content exam | $120 |
| TExES pedagogy exam | $120 |
| TExES ESL exam | $120 (Generalist teachers only) |
| TExES Generalist exam | $120 (single-subject 4-8 grade levels only) |
| TExES BTLPT exam | $120 (Bilingual teachers only) |
| Probationary Certificate | $52 |
| Finger Print Fee | $42.25 |
| Fingerprint Processing | $9.95 |
| Standard Certificate | $77 |
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Is financial assistance available?
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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
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 requirement:
- 3.0 on advanced degree or
- 2.50 on Bachelor\'s degree or
- 2.50 overall
- Official college transcripts
- Academic coursework in content area
- THEA scores (mathematics 250, reading 250, writing 220)
- 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 if degree is from an institution of higher education in which primary instruction is not English
Content Prerequisites
For each certification area, number indicates semester hours.
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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Physical Education EC-12
- 24 Combination of kinesiology and physical education
- 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 requires 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:
• 96 contact hours in professional development
• 216 contact hours of content area education
• 30 hours of field-based experience
• 15 hours of service learning experience
• one year internship or employment with independent school district or state-accredited school
• Pass all state exams
In the second component of the program, teachers will be employed full-time and be 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.
ACP Information Sessions
HCC–Accelerated Teacher Certification Program will be holding free information sessions!
Topics to be covered:
• Program overview
• Training schedule
• Grant and scholarship opportunities
• Paid internships
Note: Park at meter.
Please call Pamela Keller, Program Coordinator, at (713) 718-8360 to reserve your seat today!
Date | Campus Location | Room | Time |
September 8, 2010 | Central Campus Learning Hub/Science Bldg. 1300 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004 | 100 | 3:00 PM-4:30 PM |
October 6, 2010 | Central Campus Learning Hub/Science Bldg. 1300 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004 | 100 | 3:00 PM-4:30 PM |
November 10, 2010 | Central Campus Learning Hub/Science Bldg. 1300 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004 | 100 | 3:00 PM-4:30 PM |
December 8, 2010 | Central Campus Learning Hub/Science Bldg. 1300 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004 | 100 | 3:00 PM-4:30 PM |
Information may be subject to change without prior written notice.
Registration
Spring 2011 Application Deadline: November 30, 2010
Completed application packet must include the following:
- Program application
- Official college or university transcript(s) of all institutions attended (no electronic transcripts)
- THEA scores (mathematics 250, reading 250, writing 220)
- Current copy of résumé (Optional)
- Application fee $75 (money order or cashier check only)
Submit completed application packet by person or mail to:
Houston Community College
Accelerated Teacher Certification Program
3214 Austin Street, room D106
Houston, TX 77004
All materials submitted will become the property of Houston Community College – Accelerated Teacher Certification Program.
The processing of applications takes approximately 1 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
Tuition and Fees
| Description | Due Date | Cost |
| Application Fee | Due Upon Application (Non-refundable) | $75 |
| ACP Tuition | Upon acceptance (installment plan available) | $3,900 |
| Books | Due upon receipt | $250 |
| TExES Content Exam | Due upon exam registration | $120 |
| TExES Pedagogy Exam | Due upon exam registration | $120 |
| BTLPT (Bilingual Certification Only) | Due upon exam registration | $120 |
| TExES ESL Exam (Generalist Certification Only) | Due upon exam registration | $120 |
| Probationary Certificate Fee | Due upon application for Probationary Certificate | $52 |
| Standard Certificate Fee | Due upon application for Standard Certificate | $77 |
| Fingerprint Identification | Due upon application for Probationary Certificate | $42.25 |
| Fingerprint Processing | Due upon application for Probationary Certificate | $9.95 |
Payment Options
Payment Option #1
ACP tuition payment in full - $3,900 by January 25, 2011.
Payment Option #2
ACP Installment Tuition Fee Schedule
Payment Date | Payment Amount Due |
1/25/11 | $1,000.00 |
2/1/11 | $243.75 |
3/1/11 | $243.75 |
4/1/11 | $243.75 |
5/1/11 | $243.75 |
6/1/11 | $243.75 |
7/1/11 | $243.75 |
8/1/11 | $243.75 |
9/1/11 | $243.75 |
10/1/11 | $243.75 |
11/1/11 | $243.75 |
12/1/11 | $243.75 |
1/1/12 | $243.75 |
(Payable by cash, check, money order, cashier check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover)
* Please note, a $25 installment fee is included in the first payment.
Application
Map
HCCS- Central
Educational Development Center
3214 Austin Street (corner of Francis/Caroline)
Houston, Texas 77004
Room D106
Phone (713) 718-8185
Note: Park at meter. Entrance is on Caroline St.
Central Campus Map
Street Map
Contact Us
Program Director
Anna Go
713-718-8185
anna.go@hccs.edu
Program Coordinator
Pamela Keller
713-718-8360
pamela.keller@hccs.edu
Program Specialist
Lisette Cruz
713-718-5469
lisette.cruz@hccs.edu
Program Specialist
Yessenia Cruz
713-718-8171
yessenia.cruz@hccs.edu
