FAQ's

Content Test

I don’t see any CAT dates posted. How do I view available times and locations for the CAT?

You must go through the registration process with ETS to view dates and times for open testing locations. The CAT is offered seven days a week at most locations.

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Can I take the Computer-Administered Test (CAT) at home on my personal computer?

No. You must take the CAT in a computer lab at a university or community college.

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How fast do I receive scores when I take the Computer-Administered Test (CAT)?

Scores are usually posted within 2-4 days. To view your content test scores, you can log-in to the ETS website.

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What is considered a passing score on the TExES content exam?

The passing score for a TExES content exam is 240. The score is broken down by domain/competency areas on the exam.

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Where do I get study material for the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)?

You can download the state study guide on the ETS website - http://www.texes.ets.org/prepMaterials/

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Who do I contact to sign-up for the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)?

You would contact Education Testing Service (ETS) to sign-up for a designated content test. There are no restrictions regarding the number of attempts to pass a content examination or how many different tests can be attempted.

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What is the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)?

The Pre-Admission Content Test allows you to take your TExES content exam prior to enrolling in an alternative certification program. The PACT allows you to gain admission to a program if you do not have the necessary 12 semester credit hours in a given certification area.

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How do I find my TEA ID number?

Your TEA ID number is listed when you log-in to your SBEC account.

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How do I obtain preparatory materials to begin studying for the content or PPR exam?

You can download study guides from this link -- http://www.texes.ets.org/prepMaterials

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Where do I sign-up for the content exam?

You can sign-up online -- http://www.texes.ets.org

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Can I begin my one-year teaching internship without passing my content test?

No. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) prevents school districts from making you the teacher of record until you have passed your content exam. A teacher may be brought on as a long term substitute until they pass their designated content exam. Special exemptions may be possible with accredited private schools and charter schools.

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What is the cost of the certification tests?

Regular registration - $120 Late Registration - $165 Emergency Registration - $195

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When is the TExES/ExCET test offered?

A listing of testing dates can be found at -- http://www.texes.ets.org

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Do I need to take the TOPT test?

Bilingual and Spanish teaching candidates will need to take the TOPT test after they have successfully passed their content exam. This examination is required to obtain your Standard Teaching Certificate.

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Applicaiton Process

Where do I go to apply for the alternative certification program?

An online application is available at this link -- https://www.online-distance-learning-education.com/application.html

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How long does it take to be accepted in the alternative certification program?

Once your admission documents have been received, it usually takes between 2-3 business days to be officially accepted into the online program.

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Is there an application deadline?

No. Continuous enrollment allows you to begin the alternative certification program once you have been issued an acceptance letter.

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Admission Requirements

How do I obtain a service record to be submitted for program review?

The service record can be obtained by contacting the Human Resource or Personnel office at each school district where you were previously employed.

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Do I need to take the TOEFL if my degree is from outside of the United States?

Yes. You will need to submit TOEFL scores to gain entry into the alternative certification program. The following scores are acceptable: * Internet-based – 76 * Computer-based – 207 * Paper-based - 540

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Can I apply and begin your alternative certification program if I am still completing my Bachelor’s Degree?

Graduating seniors that are in their final semester of coursework can begin the alternative certification program on a provisional basis. You will be eligible to begin the coursework and take your content exam while you are finishing the requirements for your degree. The contingency admission will be valid for only the semester for which the contingency admission was granted and may not be extended for another semester.

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What if my GPA does not meet either criteria for your program? How can I be accepted in your program?

If your overall and last 60 hours of coursework is below a 2.50 GPA, you can be considered for the low GPA exemption. Low GPA exemption - http://www.online-distance-learning-education.com/gpa-exemption.html

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Is a bachelor’s degree required to enter the program?

You can apply to the program if you have a conferred Bachelor’s degree or if you are currently working in the last semester of coursework towards your undergraduate degree.

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Payment Options

Are program fees paid during the certification refundable?

All fees paid to the program are non-refundable. This includes the curriculum access fee, tuition fee, or field experience fee payments made during the program.

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What is the Freedom Program?

The Freedom Program allows you to set-up reoccurring monthly payments as low as $35 per month. This will help reduce your tuition fee balance.

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What are my payment options for my tuition fee?

You can pay a portion or your entire tuition fee as you progress through the online curriculum. You also have the option to defer these payments until your field experience assignment begins.

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What special promotions or discounts are currently being offered by the program?

You can check out the current discounts by Clicking Here

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Do I have to pay the field experience fee if I decide not to pursue teaching?

No. The field experience fee is only deducted once you start an approved internship or clinical teaching assignment.

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Do I get paid during my one-year teaching internship?

Yes. You will receive the normal salary and benefits of a first year teacher at the district.

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Do I get paid while I’m completing online training?

No. You will only receive a salary once you start your one-year teaching internship.

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Does the program qualify for deferment of Student Loans?

Since we are not a university the program does not qualify for student loan deferment.

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General Questions

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding the program?

You can contact a staff member at questions@etools4education.com

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What is the mailing address for the alternative certification program?

PO Box 1138 Cypress, TX 77410-1138

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Transcripts

What is the 24/12 Exception?

The 24/12 exception allows a teaching candidate to possess a highly qualified status before they pass their TExES content exam. The candidate must have at least 12 lower level and 12 upper level semester hours in a specific content area to qualify. The 12 upper level hours refers to junior or senior credit hours. The 24/12 exception only applies to grades 7-12.

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My transcript is from a foreign country; does it need to be evaluated by an accreditation company?

Yes. The list of approved accreditation companies is listed at this link -- http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/certinfo/forcredevalservice.asp.

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Do I need to send my official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended?

Yes. Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended need to be mailed to the address listed below: etools4Education, LLC Attn: Gabriel Brackett 18445 Hwy 105 W, STE. 102 PMB265 Montgomery, TX 77356

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Where should I mail my official transcripts?

etools4Education, LLC Attn: Gabriel Brackett 18445 Hwy 105 W, STE. 102 PMB 265 Montgomery, TX 77356

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Should I send my transcripts by certified mail?

You can send application documents by certified mail. etools4Education, LLC Attn: Gabriel Brackett 18445 Hwy 105 W, STE. 102 PMB 265 Montgomery, TX 77356

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Job Placement

When is the most active hiring time for teaching candidates to obtain employment with a school district, private school, or charter school?

Typically, teaching positions are available year-around. However, the most active time for school districts to hire teaching candidates from WCACP is between May and August. Teacher job fairs usually begin in March and continue through June. In addition, the time period between December and January is a secondary hiring period.

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Do staff members help candidates with their teaching portfolio (i.e., resumes and cover letters)?

Yes, a Program Director will be available to critique your resume, cover letter, references page or thank you letter to ensure successfully transition into the teaching field. Templates to help get you started are provided in the online curriculum.

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Are teaching candidates placed into teaching positions?

WCACP will assist you in locating vacancies by providing valuable resources and contact points to help you find a teaching position. You will go through the normal application and interview process to be considered for open teaching positions.

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One-Year Teaching Internship

Can I complete the one-year teaching internship in a school outside of Texas?

No. The one-year teaching internship must be completed at a school district, accredited private school or charter school in the state of Texas.

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What will be my average deduction from my check during my one-year teaching internship?

On average, the deduction will range from $250 - $350 per month during the internship. The amount of the deduction will depend on district policies and procedures.

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What requirements need to be met before I can begin a one-year teaching internship during the 2011/2012 school year?

1. Passed TExES content exam or qualify for 24/12 exception 2. 30 clock hours of observations documented 3. Completion of the first two sections in the online curriculum 4. Fingerprinting process complete 5. Complete Reading Safari and Pre-Service classes

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What is the definition of a late hire?

A teaching candidate that has been accepted by WCACP and hired for a teaching assignment by a school after June 15th or after the school’s academic year has begun.

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Does a late hire have different rules in regard to starting a one-year teaching internship?

Yes. A teaching candidate that meets the definition of a late hire will be required to complete 30 hours of observations, Module 1 (Instructional Strategies) within 90 school days of starting a teaching assignment.

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What qualifications need to be met before WCACP will start my probationary certificate?

To begin your probationary certificate with an Independent School District in Texas, all items mentioned below must be met: 1. Passed TExES content exam 2. Completion of 30 clock hours of field based observations 3. Completion of Module 1 and Module 2 in curriculum 4. Completion of Reading Safari and Pre-Service classes 5. Fingerprinting process complete 6. Hired full-time in your content area at an Independent School District, TEA recognized private school, or charter school in the state of Texas.

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If I decided not to work in Texas, would this certification be valid in other states?

You will have to check with each individual state because each has their own procedures when it comes to teaching certificates.

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Can I substitute teach or be classified as a paraprofessional during my one-teaching internship?

No. To obtain a Standard Teaching Certificate in the state of Texas you have to be a teacher of record for one school year. This involves teaching full time in your designated content area.

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If I decide to work for a private school during my one-year teaching internship, does it need to be accredited?

Yes. To receive credit during your probationary year, a private school must be recognized by TEA. Visit this link to view accredited private schools in the state of Texas -- http://www.tepsac.org/

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Do I have to complete all online modules before I can begin my one-year teaching internship?

No. You only have to complete the first two sections of the curriculum before you can begin a one-year teaching internship. The Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management section usually will take between 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on how much time you have to devote to coursework.

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How long will my teaching internship last?

Your teaching internship with a school district, accredited private school or charter school will last for 12-months. A second probationary year may be required if you do not complete the program requirements before your probationary certificate expires.

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What if I am unable to pass my content exam and PPR before my one-year teaching internship ends?

If you are in good standing with the program, your probationary certificate will be extended for a second year.

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What kind of salary can I expect during my one-year teaching internship?

A teaching candidate will receive normal pay and benefits of a first year teacher. Depending on the size and location of the school district, pay usually runs between $35,000 to $52,000 per year.

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Certifications

Do you offer a Principal Certification through your program?

No. We do not offer a Principal Certification at this time.

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SBEC Account/Fingerprinting

Does the state perform a background check using the fingerprints I submit?

Yes. Teaching candidates enrolled in the program will be required to submit fingerprints for a national background check. The fingerprinting process must be completed before you will be allowed to start an internship or clinical teaching assignment.

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How do I sign-up for my SBEC account?

You can sign-up at this link -- http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/educator_why.asp?width=1024&height=768

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Web-Based Program

What is the ideal candidate for the online alternative certification program?

There is no profile for the ideal candidate. We are looking for teaching candidates with a wide range or backgrounds, who can bring a diverse set of skills and abilities to the teaching profession.

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Can I begin the alternative certification program if I live out of the State of Texas?

Yes. You can begin the alternative certification program while living outside of Texas. Keep in mind you must complete your 12 month teaching internship at an Independent School District, TEA recognized private school, or charter school in Texas. You will be required to pass the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) to be considered for acceptance into the online program.

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Is the program 100% online?

Yes. All coursework and assignments can be completed online.

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Is the web-based alternative certification program recognized by the State of Texas as an accredited program?

Yes. The Web-Centric Alternative Certification Program is accredited by SBEC/TEA. You can view the certification areas WCACP is approved to offer by clicking on the link below. To find our program, click on the drop-down menu and scroll down to Web-Centric ACP. http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/approvedprograms.asp?s=2&sid=

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How long do I need to be in the program before I can begin teaching?

You can be considered for open teaching positions once you have obtained your HQ Status. This will include passing your content test, submitting your 30 hours of observations, and completing Module 1 in the online curriculum.

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Is the coursework completely online?

Yes. All curriculum for the alternative certification program can be completed online and at your own pace.

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What is the time-line for completion of this program?

It depends if you choose to complete your field experience as an intern or by completing a clinical teaching assignment. Once your field experience has been completed, you will be eligible to receive your standard teaching certificate. Internship – 12 months in the classroom Clinical Teaching Assignment – 12-weeks in the classroom

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Is the alternative certification work at your own pace?

Yes. You can complete online modules and assignments at your own pace.

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How is the coursework structured? How many courses/modules will a candidate need to complete?

The coursework will consist of work at your own pace modules and classes that are offered in the evenings.There are four modules to complete in the online curriculum. In addition, there are two class series (Reading Safari and Pre-Service) that must be completed.

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Is this program approved state-wide?

Yes. You can complete your field experience at any Independent School District, TEA recognized private school, or charter school in the state of Texas.

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How is the program structured?

The online program consists of work at your own pace curriculum, chat sessions and videoconferencing classes. The scheduled online chats or distance learning (video conferencing) are staggered throughout the program. Most of our chat/distance learning classes are around 30 minutes - 1 hour. Depending on time difference, we will always work with you at a time that will accommodate your schedule.

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Mentors

Will the mentor be assigned from the same school building as where I'm completing my one-year teaching internship?

In most cases, your mentor will be assigned from your building.

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What is the purpose of my assigned mentor teacher?

The mentor teacher is assigned to provide constant positive reinforcement during your one-year teaching internship. The mentor should be available when needed to help answer any questions or concerns an intern may have during the school day.

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Who assigns a mentor to provide guidance and support during my teaching internship?

Usually, the campus principal will assign the intern a mentor teacher for their internship.

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Materials Sent to Teaching Candidates

Will I need to purchase textbooks for the program?

No. Textbooks needed during online instruction will be provided.

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When will I receive access to the online curriculum?

You will be given full access to the online curriculum and classes within one business day of processing your curriculum access fee. Instructions of how to begin the online curriculum and classes will be sent to your email account. Textbooks needed to complete the first section of the curriculum will be mailed within 2-3 business days.

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Observations

Where can I download an observation form to start documenting observation hours?

Detailed instructions and the observation form will be provided once you start the online curriculum. If you would like to start documenting observation hours prior to program admission, download the observation forms on this webpage.http://www.online-distance-learning-education.com/article_info.php/articles_id/123

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What department do I contact to provide verification of my past instructional aide assignment experience?

You would contact the personnel office to receive documentation that you completed the instructional aide assignment days.

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What department do I contact to provide verification of my past substitute teaching experience?

In most cases, you will contact the sub office at the district to receive verification of past substitute teaching assignments. However, you may have to contact the personnel office for certain districts.

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Can I count substitute teaching or aide assignment days from more than five years ago?

No. To receive credit towards the 30 hour observation requirement, substitute and aide assignment days must be within the last five years.

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Can I start my field experience (internship or clinical teaching assignment) without completing the 30 clock hour observation requirement?

No. WCACP must have documentation showing a teaching candidate has met the 30 clock hour requirement before you will be able to start your field experience.

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Can I use substitute or instructional aide assignment experience to supplement my 30 clock hour observations?

Yes. You can supplement a maximum of 15 substitute hours and 30 instructional aide assignment hours to satisfy the 30 clock hour observation requirement.

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How many virtual observation hours can be substituted for my 30 hour total?

A maximum of 15 hours of virtual observations can be completed to meet the 30 hour requirement.

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What are my choices when completing the 30 hour requirement for observations?

You can complete the 30 clock hour observation requirement by completing in class, virtual or by supplementing substitute or aide assignment experience.

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Probationary Certificate

Do I need to send a service record if I previously taught full-time on an emergency permit in Texas?

Yes. You will need to request a service record from the personnel office and submit to WCACP to verify you have not used all three years of eligibility. The three years of eligibility can be a combination of emergency permits issued in Texas and probationary certificates that would be issued by an ACP.

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Since I do not have a Probationary Certificate started, does that hinder my chances of finding a teaching position?

No. Your probationary certificate can only be activated once you start a full-time teaching position in your content area. A principal must hire you for a teaching position before a certificate will be issued.

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How many years of eligibility do I have on a Probationary Certificate?

The state gives you three years of eligibility towards obtaining your teaching certificate. Most interns will finish their requirements for their Standard Certificate within one year. However, some interns may need an additional year of teaching experience before they are recommended for their Standard Certificate.

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Should my Probationary Certificate be initiated by WCACP once I pass my TExES content test?

No. A probationary certificate will be activated only when you have obtained a full-time teaching position in your content area. The teaching position must be at an Independent School District, TEA recognized private school, or charter school in Texas.

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Clinical Teaching

Is a probationary certificate issued during my 12-week clinical teaching assignment?

No. A probationary certificate is not recommended by WCACP during your 12-week clinical teaching assignment.

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No. A probationary certificate is not recommended by WCACP during your 12-week clinical teaching assignment.

A total of three absences are allowed during the clinical teaching assignment. All absences must be made up by the clinical teacher. The clinical teacher is expected to make every effort to be in attendance at their cooperating school each day. Unless prior approval is given by the mentor teacher, the clinical teacher is not to leave campus during the school day.

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How do I set-up my clinical teaching assignment?

Fill out the Clinical Teaching Application and Clinical Teaching Checklist (located on our website) to start the process towards setting up your clinical teaching assignment.

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Where can my clinical teaching assignment be completed?

Your clinical teaching assignment can be completed at any school district or TEA recognized private school in the state of Texas. You can complete your clinical teaching assignment at a charter school in Texas with the approval of our Executive Program Director.

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Who do I contact if I have questions regarding clinical teaching?

Contact Betty Kelly at 832-220-3451 if you have questions or need help setting up your clinical teaching assignment.

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Is financing available to help cover the cost of my clinical teaching assignment?

Yes. Financing is available to help defer the cost of certification. A total of $750 is required during your clinical teaching assignment, while the remaining fees can be financed over a 60 month period.

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Do I get paid during the clinical teaching assignment?

No. The 12-week clinical teaching assignment is unpaid.

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Will I become a certified teacher at the end of my clinical teaching assignment?

You must be recommended by your cooperating teacher and field supervisor for your standard certificate. Once all your program and state requirements have been met, you can be recommended for your standard certificate.

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How long is the clinical teaching assignment?

The clinical teaching assignment will last for 12-weeks.

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