Iteach Texas

You must have access to a personal computer that has Microsoft Word. Many schools and public libraries have Internet filters in place that will not allow the viewing of downloads from the Internet. Additionally, it is your responsibility to frequently review the program announcements on the instructNET platform.

While the iteachTEXAS coursework is self-paced, the introductory course, ETDC 5000, and the six instructional courses, EDTC 5100-EDTC 5600, are designed to be completed within a six-month time span. You are progressed no faster than one instructional course per 10 days. Each of the instructional courses is equivalent to a three-hour course. Access to the Comprehensive Review course, which is not included in the six month timeline, will not be granted until competency in the initial content certification area is demonstrated by passing the content certification test, TOPT (Texas Oral Proficiency Test) if applicable, and an Field Experience position has been secured or the instructional fee is paid in full.

Two additional elective courses are available if you wish to increase your marketability. EDTC 5901, Teaching the English Language Learner, is designed to help teachers effectively meet the needs of students whose primary language is not English. EDTC 5902, Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS), meets the state requirements for new teachers to be trained in the PDAS evaluation system. These courses are not required but may be taken at any time upon completion on the required instructional courses, EDTC 5000–EDTC 5600.

While each course has its own objective(s) for the teacher candidate, the following overall objectives of the course material ensure that each candidate possesses the identified teacher dispositions:

• Instill belief that all students can learn based upon the stages of human development
• Develop respect for individual differences to ensure a democratic classroom environment
• Foster commitment to inquiry, self reflection and assessment
• Promote intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm about learning based upon the importance of literacy
• Examine openness to new ideas in behavioral management
• Value positive interactions
• Perform all practices responsibly and ethically

Each iteachTEXAS online course contains required assignments that will appear in various forms, such as research, reflection, essay and even completion of school and state procedures. Every candidate in our program holds at least a bachelor's degree, and several hold master’s and doctoral degrees. It is vital to the successful completion of this program that all work be of the caliber required for graduate level coursework. Any assignment not meeting the program's high standards will be returned.

Many of the course instructors are also classroom teachers. While they work diligently to grade your assignments, they do not work 24 hours a day. Assignments will be graded within three to four business days. Once the requirements for a specific course are complete, you will be advanced to the next course at the appropriate time. While you wait to be advanced, please spend some time to reflect and conduct individual research on each course.

All assignments will be graded on a 1, 2, 3 scale. The rubric for the grading scale is as follows:

One - Unacceptable		Two - Acceptable		Three - Target
Candidate does not model correct language usage: (1) Pervasive written communication errors are present (2) Thoughts were poorly organized		Candidate models effective written communication skills: (1) A few written communication errors are present but they do not interfere with meaning (2) Thoughts were organized		Candidate models excellent written communication skills: (1) No written communication errors (2) Thoughts were presented in a well organized, detailed manner
Candidate rarely and inappropriately or superficially demonstrates knowledge of assignment material; Candidate did not fulfill the required elements for the assignment		Candidate usually and adequately demonstrates knowledge of assignment material		Candidate consistently and thoroughly demonstrates knowledge mastery of assignment material

In addition to graded assignments, computer-graded assessments are administered throughout each course. Successful completion of each assessment must be accomplished with a grade of 75 or higher, prior to being recommended for certification.

An instructor will monitor your participation in each iteachTEXAS course. The course instructor will be a master teacher who will not only read and evaluate your assignments, but also provide prompt feedback should you have a question regarding the course curriculum.

There are two books that are considered a must for all new teachers. The first book is How to Be an Effective Teacher: The First Days of School by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong. This book is the compilation of a myriad of ideas and techniques that have been shared with the Wongs by a legion of educators, and it can be purchased in paperback at your local bookstore. Similar to an automobile owner’s manual, this book is a quick read, and it allows you to turn to the right section to solve a problem. You must take a little time and read this delightful, informative book before beginning EDTC 5400.

The second book is Assertive Discipline: Positive Behavior Management for Today's Classroom by Lee Canter. Any edition is acceptable. As stated in this book, "The whole purpose of keeping behavior problems in the classroom to a minimum is to create for students an environment conducive to creativity and learning." This book will help you have such a classroom.

If your background in reading and literacy is limited, you are encouraged to purchase a book on this subject to increase your knowledge. Either of the following books would be an excellent selection:

Teaching Children to Read, From Basals to Books
   D. Ray Reutzel and Robert B. Cooter, Jr.

Children's Literature in the Elementary School
   Charlotte S. Huack, Susan Helpler, Janet Hickman

It is recommended that you begin building your personal library of educational resources. Therefore, at appropriate times in the courses, various books and resources that are considered worthy of purchase will be recommended. Additionally, many articles will be provided via Internet links.

If you have a disability for which you require accommodations, please let iteachTEXAS know. iteachTEXAS will be glad to work with you to find an appropriate accommodation.