Are there state requirements that must be met prior to being hired?
Yes, effective January 1, 2009, all individuals accepted into a program prior to June 15 and hired by June 15 must complete 30 hours of observation and 80 hours on instruction prior to being hired. While iteachTEXAS encourages all candidates to observe in actual classrooms, we understand that in today's world with employment and family obligations, this may be difficult to do. Therefore iteachTEXAS offer observational videos that will fulfill this requirement. Additionally, completion of EDTC 5000 and 5100 fulfills the instructional hour requirement.
Is obtaining a teaching position as an EC-4 Generalist difficult?
Yes, this is the most difficult content area in which to obtain a teaching position for individuals in alternative programs. There is not a shortage of EC-4 teachers. Additionally, the majority of new Standard Certification teachers graduating from universities are EC-4 certified.
May I obtain a teaching position in a private school?
Yes, if the school is a TEA (Texas Education Agency) recognized school. Please refer to the
External Links for the TEA Directory.
The Statement of Eligibility (SOE) indicates to school districts not only that you are enrolled in an alternative certification program, but it also lists the initially identified content areas in which you can be hired. Additional content areas can be identified to hiring district through verification of test passed.
When applying to school districts for a teaching position while I am in the iteachTEXAS program, what type of certification do I check on the application?
As a candidate in an alternative program, you are eligible for a Probationary Certificate as soon as you are hired by a district in an area(s) in which you have demonstrated content mastery. Once your completed Statement of Eligibility (SOE) is returned to our office and you have applied for your Probationary Certificate on the SBEC website, you will be recommended for your Probationary Certificate.
When is the most active hiring time?
While job fairs are held in April and May, the majority of the hiring for alternative candidates occurs in July and August. Often during the job fairs, school districts are just looking over the prospects to see the type of candidates who are available. It is not until June that districts begin to know their enrollment for the fall and learn of teacher retirements and relocations. Do not be discouraged that a Standard Certification teacher is hired before you or that there are many applying for a particular position. Continue to pursue all possibilities. It is possible to be hired after the school year has begun.