Beginning with Cohort 6 of the 4+1 TEACH program, admitted students may elect to choose a concentration area that
extends their preparation by 1 year. By selecting a concentration area, the student is eligible for either an
additional Texas Educator Certification or an SHSU issued Graduate Certificate.
What concentrations can I choose from?
Admitted students may select from one of the following concentrations: Principal as Instructional Leader
Certification, Reading Specialist Certification, Educational Diagnostician Certification, Educational Diagnostician
Certification with Bilingual Certificate, Teaching English as a Second or Other Language Certificate.
Why should I choose a concentration?
Students who select a concentration area receive additional training in an area of specialization that may lead to
an additional Texas Educator certification. This additional training may qualify students for additional positions
within the education system or provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to instruct a specific group of
students.
Who should select the Principal as an Instructional Leader Certification? What is the degree plan for this
track?
This concentration produces proficient school administrators who are well educated in school leadership and
administration; effective leadership strategies; campus business management; and federal, state, and local school
regulations. Students who are interested in honing their leadership skills are encouraged to select this
concentration. The coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations for Principal as an Instructional
Leader certification in Texas. Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be certified in this area, you
must have 2 years of teaching experience and pass the state certification examinations.
Who should select the Reading Specialist Certification? What is the degree plan for this track?
This concentration helps students become reflective practitioners with the knowledge and skills for effective
reading/language arts instruction for Early Childhood through Secondary learners. Students who are interested in
leadership positions in literacy (literacy coaches, reading specialists) should select this concentration. The
coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations for certification as a Reading Specialist in Texas.
Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be certified in this area, you must have 2 years of teaching
experience and pass the state certification examinations.
Who should select the Educational Diagnostician Certification? What is the degree plan for this
track?
The Educational Diagnostician Certification program is designed for individuals seeking to improve and extend their
professional skills in special education. The coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations for
certification as an Educational Diagnostician in Texas. Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be
certified in this area, you must have 3 years of teaching experience and pass the state certification examinations.
Who should select the Educational Diagnostician Certification with Bilingual Certificate? What is the degree
plan for this track?
The Bilingual Educational Diagnostician concentration prepares educational diagnosticians who have Spanish and
English language proficiency to evaluate English Learners (ELs) and students who are monolingual. Candidates
determine language dominance and proficiency, conduct assessments, interpret results, and make educational
recommendations for learners in school settings. The coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations
for certification as an Educational Diagnostician in Texas. Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be
certified in this area, you must have 3 years of teaching experience and pass the state certification examinations.
Who should select the Teaching English as a Second or Other Language Certificate? What is the degree plan for
this track?
This concentration prepares exemplary educational leaders in the field of second language teaching and learning. This
coursework results in receiving the SHSU Graduate Certificate in Second Language Instruction but does not lead to
Texas educator certification.