Do I first need a teaching job before enrolling in the iteachtexas program?
No. As a matter of fact, to be considered for employment by a district an individual must either hold a Standard Certificate or be enrolled in an SBEC approved alternative certification program that can recommend the individual for a Probationary Certificate.
Do I have to complete the instructional courses and pass the certification tests prior to teaching this year?
No. While it would be beneficial to complete as many of the courses as possible prior to the start of school, it is not a requirement for employment. Effective January 1, 2009, all individuals seeking employment as a teacher must complete at least 30 hours of observation and 80 hours of instructional course work prior to entering the classroom. To aid our candidates in fulfilling these requirements, observational videos are available. An observational log sheet is posted in the candidate's electronic portfolio to identify video watched, time, reflections submitted and time engaged in the observation. This log can be downloaded and given to hiring districts.
The Comprehensive Review course must be successfully completed prior to receiving test approval to sit for the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) test. The PPR test is one of the state required tests that must be passed prior to being recommended for certification.
Do I need to take the TASP/THEA to be admitted into the iteachTEXAS program?
No. The TASP/THEA has not been a requirement by the state for acceptance into a teacher certification program or to obtain full certification since 2000. However, demonstrating reading, writing and mathematics proficiency continues to be a part of the admissions requirements for iteachTEXAS. Our program determines the state's required demonstration of proficiency in reading, writing and math through holding a conferred degree as a Texas Success Inititiave (TSI).
How do I pay for the program?
The $50 application fee is paid at the time of application. The $375 instructional access fee is due upon acceptance into the program. The remaining $3,825 will be paid through a Personal Payment Plan once you obtain an Internship, or if you desire, in-total by check or credit card. If you wish to take the PPR prior to obtaining an Internship, the online course program fee of $2,800 is due after successful completion of the course work and before iteachTEXAS provides test approval to register for the PPR TExES test. Thereafter, the balance, which is the Internship Fee is paid through the Personal Payment Plan once the school year commences or paid in full, is due.
How do I retrieve unofficial scores for the ExCET/TExES test(s) that I have taken?
To get your unofficial scores for the TExES test, go to
www.texes.ets.org two weeks after the test administration date.
While every candidate has up to six months to complete the instructional coursework, we encourage candidates to try and complete the majority of the instructional courses prior to the start of school, depending on their start date. Due to the nature of the course content, some courses may take longer than other courses.
You are automatically progressed to the next course after 10 days in the course and content mastery has been demonstrated. To allow for independent research and learning, courses are released no faster than one course per 10 days. In the event that the Introductory course and the six instructional courses are not completed in six months, the candidate must pay a Instructional Renewal fee of $325.00 to be re-enrolled in the courses.
I would like to gain teaching experience before having my own classroom. Is it possible through iteachTEXAS?
Yes. iteachTEXAS offers a 12-week Clinical Teaching Internship option each fall and spring. It is designed to provide an in-classroom mentoring environment to complement our online instruction.
Is the course work entirely online or will I have to occasionally attend meetings or go to test centers?
The iteachTEXAS curriculum has been designed to be presented in its entirety in an online format. You will receive prompt feedback from your course instructor as you progress through your instructional course work. All of your instructional course testing will also be accomplished online. You will have face-to-face interaction with the iteachTEXAS Field Supervisor once hired.
May I apply and be admitted if I am still attending college?
Contingency Requirements: Yes. If you are in the last semester of course work toward a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education as required by Texas Education Agency and the Texas Administration Code and you currently meet the requirements for a content area with your earned college course work, then you may be eligible for admission on a Contingent basis.
Spring graduate deadline to apply for Contingent Admissions: May 1
Summer graduate deadline to apply for Contingent Admissions: August 1
Fall graduate deadline to apply for Contingent Admissions: December 1
To qualify for the Contingent admittance the following documentation must be provided:
- Copy of final semester schedule of classes
- Letter of completion from Academic Advisor
Once you are accepted as a contingent candidate in the alternative certification program, you are eligible to test and begin your course work. Contingent candidates who seek standard admissions must meet all general admissions requirements and must provide an official transcript reflecting a conferred degree prior to receiving a Statement of Eligibility.
Yes you may. If you need to repeat a course to raise your GPA, please see the TCCN page for information on equivalent courses.
What is meant by "Internship?"
The Internship is the term used to designate your first year full-time, full-pay/benefits eligible teaching position while engaged in an SBEC-approved alternative certification program, such as iteachTEXAS.
Qualified individuals will be issued a Probationary Certificate by SBEC through our recommendation for this first year teaching position, which is designed to prepare teachers for earning their Standard (full) Certificate.
You can visit our
“Internship” page for more information.
There are three steps:
1. Complete the online application and pay the application fee of $50.00. Applications may be downloaded and mailed to the office with the $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Send in your official transcript showing a degree conferred from an accredited institution of higher education.
3. Once your acknowledgment e-mail has been sent to you with information to access instructNET , the instructional platform, complete the online interview, intrueVIEW.
What is the Statement of Eligibility (SOE) form?
This form verifies to the hiring school district that you have been accepted into an SBEC approved alternative certification program. Additionally, this form indicates the initial identified content area(s) in which you could be hired to teach.
The Statement of Eligibility, or SOE, signed by your district administrator, must be returned to iteachTEXAS once you are hired.
What occurs during the interview?
The interview process is a combination of various interactions with the applicant. All written correspondence and oral communication are considered in the interview process, along with the online pre-screening interview, intrueVIEW.
Please keep in mind, all written correspondence submitted by the candidate is considered the best possible effort by the candidate.
Will my classroom performance be evaluated?
Yes. You will work closely with an iteachTEXAS Field Supervisor. This individual will be a master teacher or administrator who is familiar not only with classroom best practices, but also with your school district. The Field Supervisor will periodically observe you in the classroom (five or six times during the Internship), provide you with professional feedback, and be available for support and encouragement. Your Field Supervisor plays a vital role in your pursuit of certification. He/she will provide feedback on the success of your Internship.