Post-baccalaureate Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ACP)

More Information For more information about becoming a teacher in Texas, visit the State Board for Educator Certification Web site.

Introduction

Texas Lutheran University offers a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program in addition to its traditional undergraduate teacher certification program. The Teacher Alternative Certification Program (ACP) is authorized by The State Board of Educator Certification and meets all federal No Child Left Behind standards for an acceptable alternative route to certification by being a program that:

1. Provides high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction before and while teaching.
2. Provides intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support for teachers or a teacher mentoring program.
3. Allows the candidate to assume the functions as a teacher only for a specified period of time not to exceed three years.
4. Requires the teacher to demonstrate satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the State.

 
The TLU Alternative Certification Program offers certification in a variety of areas. These certification areas include the following:
 

• EC-4 Generalist
• 4-8 Generalist
• 4-8 Science
• 4-8 Math
• 4-8 Science/Math
• 4-8 English Language Arts and Reading
• 4-8 Social Studies
• 8-12 English Language Arts and Reading
• 8-12 History
• 8-12 Life Science
• 8-12 Math
• 8-12 Physical Science
• 8-12 Social Studies
• 8-12 Science
• All-Level Art
• All-Level Music
• All-Level Physical Education (Kinesiology)
• Spanish 6-12
• Speech Communication 6-12

 

Collaboration With Local School Districts

TLU possesses a long-standing tradition of producing quality teachers for the State of Texas. This program continues this tradition through collaboration with our multiple public school partners, effective standards-based preparation, and a commitment to teacher induction and retention. Seguin ISD, Navarro ISD, La Vernia ISD, Marion ISD, New Braunfels ISD, Comal ISD, Nixon-Smiley ISD, Floresville ISD, Fayetteville ISD, Gonzales ISD and other school districts in the region have expressed their support for the ACP at Texas Lutheran University. The districts enthusiastically support the TLU program as it enables them to hire outstanding teachers in a time of great teacher demand.

Texas Lutheran University has developed a strong relationship with each of the districts in the region. TLU believes that one of its primary roles is to serve our school district partners. The ACP allows TLU to work with districts in recruiting outstanding candidates from high-tech corporations, businesses, the military and the community-at-large who are interested in pursuing a rewarding career in teaching. Almost certainly, these individuals will bring relevant content area experience to the teaching profession. TLU works with the districts to identify outstanding candidates who are currently employed by the districts in paraprofessional or substitute teaching positions. TLU also works closely with individuals who are currently on emergency certification or who are certified in other areas.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the ACP must meet each of the following requirements:

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with an overall grade point average of at least 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Submit official transcripts from every college/university attended
• Submit passing scores on one of the following:
  • THEA (formerly the TASP) Test (Reading – 260, Writing – 220 and Math – 230)
  • SAT composite score of 1000 with a minimum of 450 in both verbal and quantitative
  • ACT composite score of 20 with a minimum of 19 in both reading and math
  • Graduate Record Exam Verbal and Quantitative score of 450 or higher on each portion
• Submit a $50 non-refundable filing fee with an admissions application for the ACP
• Complete the application package for admission to Texas Lutheran University and the ACP
• Complete and submit documentation of 20 hours of observation in a public or accredited private school classroom in at least two different settings
• Successfully participate in a structured interview with ACP staff (TLU faculty/school district personnel)

TLU accepts applications through "rolling enrollment" that allows entry into the program at the start of any term.

Program Coursework Requirements

Prospective students who have already completed a minimum of 24 hours in a subject content area need to complete, in most cases, 18 hours of professional development coursework in the ACP. This includes 12 hours of professional development coursework in the university classroom and six hours of internship in a school setting. A detailed review of each applicant’s transcript will determine exactly how many hours are required for certification.

Current Costs

Program costs for candidates are currently $900.00 per course (not including additional coursework beyond the professional development sequence, application fee, state certification and testing fees, and textbook and supply costs).

ACP Curriculum

Curriculum for the program is based on the traditional TLU Teacher Education program that has been aligned with SBEC’s approved new educator standards for Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities. When applicable, the standards emphasize the required statewide public school curriculum or the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which also reflect the current research on the developmental stages and needs of children from Early Childhood through Grade 12.

Emphasis is placed on proficiencies for teachers in learner-centered schools. Instruction addresses current research and methodology to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful classroom teaching. Significant emphasis is placed on technology applications for beginning teachers. Interns have the opportunity to use a mobile technology lab during each class session. Benchmarks and assessments have been established to ensure attainment of standards, competencies, and proficiencies.

In the ACP, teacher interns must meet all educational requirements that include professional development/competencies regarding area content, evaluations, assessments, field-based experiences, service learning projects, professional observations/appraisals, portfolios and attendance/participation. Interns must successfully complete all preparation program requirements and appropriate certification tests for their certification area. A thorough year-long internship is closely monitored by the TLU faculty. During the internship year, all students work with a mentor teacher in the school in addition to the University supervisor. The role of the mentor is to assist the student to develop into an independent, fully functioning reflective teacher who will regularly engage in problem-solving related to his or her own teaching. The mentor teacher also observes and assesses the intern’s performance in the classroom.

Class Sessions

It is essential that the program be readily available for teacher interns.  Classes are offered in the evenings, including in the summer to accommodate students' work schedules.

Program Evaluation and Ongoing Support

The Texas Lutheran ACP is evaluated in a variety of ways. The ACP program must assure that there is student success in developing professional competencies. The program must yield 80% (cumulative) pass rates on the TExES, overall and in all sub-categories. In addition to the state assessment system, the ACP Executive Committee and TLU administration also evaluate the success of the students and the program through surveys and longitudinal studies. Each ACP participant is asked to evaluate each course based on its relevancy and application to the TExES exam and classroom experiences. The ACP Executive Committee is composed of University professors and school district superintendents and other designated personnel. This Executive Committee provides guidance and direction to the TLU Center for Professional Development and the TLU Department of Education.

In regard to ongoing support, the ACP partners with school districts to provide tailor-made teacher induction programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of new teachers within the school district. In addition, mentor teachers continue to work with ACP graduates for at least one year after completion of the program. University supervisors work with both the mentor teacher and the teacher intern throughout the internship process.
 

Approved for Funding by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

Press Release

For additional information, please contact:

Center for Professional Development
Phone: 830-372-8047
E-mail: cpd@tlu.edu