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College of Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program

Teacher working with students

Texas State University’s Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program prepares individuals with bachelor’s degrees to be teachers within the PK-12 educational system in Texas. The accelerated program incorporates self-paced modules, three evidenced-based online courses taught by Texas State faculty, and the option to secure a paid yearlong internship with support from an experienced mentor. Our Accelerated Alt TCert Program quickly prepares you to enter the classroom and make a difference in the lives of Texas students. 

There are multiple entry points throughout the year for Texas State’s ACP:

  • Start in January: You can be a paid intern educator as early as August
  • Start in May: You can be a paid intern educator as early as August 
  • Start in August: You can be a paid intern educator as early as January

Overview

Texas school districts are eagerly seeking graduates from Texas State's renowned Educator Preparation Program. Responding to the pressing need, Texas State proudly introduces its innovative Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program. 

Certification Areas: 

  • Elementary Education 
  • Secondary Education 
  • Special Education 

Become a Texas certified teacher by taking three online courses, and completing one year of paid internship or one semester of student teaching. Make a meaningful impact on education while advancing your career with Texas State's Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program.

Accelerated, Flexible, Affordable

TXST’s Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program emphasizes the importance of professional teachers in meeting the educational needs of diverse student populations. With a focus on practical training and effective instructional strategies, our program ensures teacher candidates are well-prepared to excel in the classroom.

Unique Features

What sets us apart from other programs?

  • Reduced tuition rates 
  • Courses taught by nationally-recognized TXST faculty 
  • Coursework can be applied toward an master’s degree in Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education at Texas State 
  • Unique, supervised experience in classroom teaching 
  • Expert mentoring support 
  • 100% online course modality offering flexibility for working adults 
  • Multiple starting points: January, May, or August 
  • 5-week classes in summer; 8-week classes in fall and spring 
  • Start paid teaching internship after one semester of coursework (or take up to three semesters – YOU choose your pace of completion) 

Texas Education Agency accredited university with over 120 years of teacher preparation excellence.

Program Structure

Three programs and certifications from which to choose: 

  • Elementary Education: Early Childhood-6th grade 
  • Secondary Education: 
    • Science 
    • Social Studies Composite
    • Physics 
    • Chemistry 
    • Biology 
    • History 
    • Math 
    • World Languages 
    • English/Language Arts 
  • Special Education--All Level (Early Childhood – 12th grade)
Teacher leading classroom discussion

Supervised Experience in Classroom Teaching:

  • Paid Internship (one academic year): Upon successful completion of the courses and required certification testing, students are eligible to be hired by districts as Teachers of Record. As a result, they will be paid a full salary, with benefits, and have primary responsibility for instruction. OR
  • Unpaid Student Teaching (one semester): Upon successful completion of courses and mandatory certification testing, students have the opportunity to student teach. During this experience, you will collaborate with a mentor teacher.

Application Information

All materials submitted via the online application system: 

  • Complete an online application ($20 application fee, $60 for international applicants). 
  • Submit the following materials:
    • Completed bachelor’s degree in any area
    • Copy of an official transcript from each institution where undergraduate course credit was granted 
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (Conditional acceptance is possible if GPA is <2.75) 
  • Is your GPA lower than 2.75? Don't worry! You can be admitted if you pass a resume review and the PACT that is required for your certification area. For more information about the PACT, click here

Costs 

Tuition: $4400 (15 discounted graduate credit hours) 

Additional state-mandated certification fees vary by certification area:

Elementary: $860.50 

Secondary: $754.50 

Special Education: $724.50

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand FAQ List

    • Elementary Education - Early Childhood – 6th grade
    • Secondary Education – Science or Social Studies Composite, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Math, World Languages, English/Language Arts
    • Special Education – All Level (EC – 12th grade)

    • Any individual with a bachelor’s degree and an overall 2.75 overall GPA or in the last 60 credit hours. 
    • Certain teaching certificates have minimum credit hour requirements. Click on the certificate name below to see overall requirements. 
    • If you have questions about eligibility, contact:

    • Upon successful completion of the courses and required certification testing, students enrolled in Texas State University’s Accelerated Alt TCert Program are eligible to be hired by districts as Teachers of Record. As a result, they will paid a full salary, with benefits, and have primary responsibility for instruction. 
    • Texas State University has extensive relationships with districts throughout the state of Texas. We can facilitate connections with these districts. However, it is the responsibility of the student to find a placement. 

    • Yes, however, the grants, scholarships, and loans you are eligible for vary by student and the number of courses in which you are enrolled.

  • How much will the program cost?

  • You can be admitted if you pass the PACT that is required for your certification area and a resume review. For more information about the PACT, click here. The resume review will be used to see if your work, business, or career experience demonstrates achievement equivalent to the academic achievement represented by the GPA requirement.

Need more information?

If you still have questions and want more information, please contact our Program Coordinator Blanca Loya. Please email at altcert@txstate.edu.

Upcoming Informational Sessions

April 01, 2024 at 4:30-5:30 pm 

April 02, 2024 at 6:00-7:00 pm 

April 09, 2024 at 4:30-5:30 pm 

April 10, 2024 at 6:00-7:00 pm

 

Zoom link for informational sessions:

https://txstate.zoom.us/j/83714600704