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Department of Educator Preparation
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Traditional EPP Pathway to Certification

EPP Traditional Pathway to a Texas Teacher Certification

In compliance with state requirements, the degree awarded for candidates completing the Educator Preparation Program is:

  • BA in Education with a concentration in EC-6 and Special Education 
  • BA/BS in a specific academic major – English, Mathematics, Science, History, Kinesiology, or Music with an Education minor.

Every educator candidate must complete a bachelor’s degree with an academic or education major as well as the Professional Development sequence of educator preparation courses.  Candidates who fulfill degree requirements are designated Program Completers and recommended for Texas Teacher Certification.

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Advising Task

Target Timeframe

Notes
1 Meet with the Academic Advisor to review degree plan and certification pathway After 45–60 credit hours The advisor will confirm that the student’s major aligns with a certification area and verify academic progress toward EPP admission.
2 Review EPP Admission Requirements 60+ credit hours Students must meet a 2.75 GPA, set up a TEAL account, and complete field-based experience hours and the EPP application packet.
3 Set Up TEA Login (TEAL) Account and locate ECOS profile At least 1 semester before EPP application This is required for certification tracking and TEA records.
4 Enroll in EDUC 1301 & EDUC 2301 (or equivalents) First 2 years These courses must include at least 50 hours of documented field-based experience (FBE).
5 Complete 60+ Credit Hours with a minimum of 2.75 GPA Prior to applying to EPP GPA may be cumulative or based on the last 60 hours.
6 Document 30+ FBE Hours with signed log Before EPP application Embedded in EDUC 1301/2301 or through approved school-based placement.
7 Submit Formal EPP Application Packet After 60 hours The application must include an essay, recommendations, transcript, and other required documents.
8 Meet with EPP Chair/Director for EPP Information Session After submitting EPP application This session outlines expectations, clinical teaching, testing, and certification timelines.
9 Attend Required Orientation – Choose Certification Route After EPP Information Session Students will choose either Traditional University Clinical Teaching or ATCP.
19 Subscribe to Certify Teacher and Get Familiar with the Software After formal EPP admission Students should review how the platform aligns with TEKS, T-TESS, and TExES.
11 Practice Exams Begin After 12–15 Hours of EDUC Content/Pedagogy Coursework Mid-program Students should not begin full-length practice exams before instructional coursework.
12 Participate in EPP Admission Interview (if applicable) During the EPP review process Required by some programs as part of admission.
13 Confirm Degree Plan Includes Certification Coursework Before EPP admission Includes pedagogy, assessment, classroom management, SPED, and reading strategies.
14 By the End of 2–3 Semesters Before Final Senior Semester Junior year Begin exam prep after 80–90% of coursework. Submit passing Certify Teacher practice test scores with the request to take official TExES exams. Advisor will guide exam timing; all exams are approved by the EPP Chair/Director.
15 Between Junior Year and the End of the Semester Before Final Semester/Clinical Placement – Take TExES Exams Late Junior or Early Senior Year Students must submit official TExES scores to the EPP Chair/Director for certification eligibility.
16 Complete and Submit Clinical Teaching or ATCP Application 2 s2emesters before final senior semester Submit the Clinical Teaching Application or ATCP Contingency Admission Application. Deadlines: March 30 for Fall, October 30 for Spring. Confirm readiness and eligibility for placement.
17 Introduction to  Teaching or Internship Placement  2–3 weeks before the start of the semester Keep abreast of your clinical placement’s calendar, show up and participate in the all orientations and staff development and trainings prior to the start of school, visit your campus, send introfuction letter to mentor, cooperating teacher, field supervisor, campus principal
18 Track Degree Progress Toward Graduation and Certification Ongoing and During Clinical Placement During clinical placement, students must monitor deadlines, submit documents on time, maintain a 2.75 GPA, and stay in contact with field supervisors and mentors.
19 Certification Final 2 weeks of final semester After passing all TExES exams, students must request an EPP Exit Audit and Interview. Upon approval by the Department Chair/Director, they may apply for their Initial Texas Teacher Certification. Please allow 3–6 weeks after graduation or final coursework (ATCP) for processing. Congratulations!