Sam Houston State University Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2008
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Teacher Certification

Certification Analyst: Undergraduate: Pat Sprott (936) 294-1045   Post Baccalaureate: Molly Doughtie (936) 294-1105

The preparation of teachers for the public schools in Texas is the responsibility of the entire Sam Houston State University community and the public school districts who are our partners in Sam Houston’s Innovative Partnerships with Schools. Students seeking certification to work with young children in Early Childhood through 4th grade or in grades 4-8 will follow the Academic Studies degree plan. Students who wish to teach a content subject in grades 8-12 will major in a teaching field area (i.e. Mathematics, English, History) with a minor in Education. Some specialized areas of teaching require certification for a wider range of grades, usually EC-8 or EC-12. Academic advisors will provide certification and grade level assignment information upon request.

All teaching certificates are issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) under the supervision of the Texas Education Agency, upon recommendation of the University and are subject to change. This recommendation includes verified completion of an approved program in educator preparation and a statement affirming the academic, moral, and physical fitness of the individual for service as a teacher. Sam Houston State University regards this recommendation process as a serious responsibility and has high standards for admission to candidacy in the SHSU Educator Preparation program, checkpoints throughout the program, and exit requirements. Initial certification requires completion of a state approved undergraduate program (programs are described below).

Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a state approved certification area may apply for admission to the post-baccalaureate alternate route to certification which includes admission to candidacy on the SHSU Educator Preparation Program. Information on this program may be obtained through the SHSU certification office (936) 294-1105.

State Certification Tests

Candidates must successfully complete state mandated certification tests in order to be recommended for certification by Sam Houston State University. Candidates take certification tests in the teaching field/s and in professional and pedagogical knowledge. Guidelines and procedures for taking state mandated certification tests are available on the official TExES/ ExCET website at http://www.texes.nesinc.com or in the TeXEs/ ExCet office in the Teacher Education Center. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with these guidelines and procedures, to be aware of test registration deadlines, and to complete registration forms correctly.

Application for State Teaching Certification

After the undergraduate has successfully completed the program requirements for graduation and certification and passed the appropriate certification exams, application should be made online to the State Board of Educator Certification for the teaching certificate. The University makes a recommendation for certification after the online application process has been completed and the degree has been posted on the student’s transcript.

After the post-baccalaureate candidate has successfully completed the program requirements for certification and passed the appropriate certification exams, the candidate applies online to the State Board of Educator Certification for his/her certification using the same process.

For further information contact the certification analyst at (936) 294-1105.