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Department of Educator Preparation

Department of Educator Preparation

Huston-Tillotson University’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP) offers a university-based certification pathway for students aspiring to become Texas State Certified Teachers. Our Education Department collaborates with students across campus who are interested in teaching at various levels, including early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. The traditional EPP is tailored for undergraduates pursuing Interdisciplinary Studies or Academic Specializations, aligning with the standards set by the State of Texas Board for Educator Certification. The program encompasses 12 unique certification areas, providing candidates with comprehensive training to meet diverse educational needs. Students enroll in university courses following a traditional fall, spring, and summer schedule, ensuring a structured and immersive learning experience.

We currently offer two pathways to becoming a teacher:

  1. Traditional EPP Certification
  2. Alternative Teacher Certification Program

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.

Applications

Program Admission:

March 15 (Fall admission)
November 15 (Spring admission)

Clinical Teaching Applications:

March 15 (Fall semester)
November 15 (Spring semester)

Download Application Checklist

Note: EPP Application Checklist for 2024-2025

Did you know that there continues to be an increasing demand for new teachers?

Due to the dramatic increase in enrollments and high attrition rates as an aging teacher workforce becomes eligible for retirement, Texas often breaks its own records in annual hiring.  As demographics change in Texas, there is also an increasing need to attract minority teachers. The Texas Education Agency has identified teacher shortages in the following areas: Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language; Foreign Languages; Mathematics (STEM); Science; and Special Education. The Texas Workforce Commission anticipates elementary school teaching positions will add the second-highest number of jobs among all occupations in the state–That’s nearly 68,000 new jobs!

TEA Policies and Resources

All Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) must adhere to the mandates of the TEA (Texas Educational Association).  The Texas Requirements for EPPs can be found here http://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/preparation-and-continuing-education/program-provider-resources

Below are some common questions regarding TEA Policies, Resources and our EPP:

Question 1:  Where can I find the policies for my EPP?

Chapter 228_TEA

Question 2:  How do I sign up for my TExES tests?

Register for Testing

Question 3:  How do I set up an Educator Login Account (ECOS) for TEA?

http://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-certification-online-system

Question 4:  How do I apply for Initial Certification?

http://https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/initial-certification

Question 5:  What is the procedure for getting a Background check?

http://https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/national-criminal-history-checks-faqs

Question 6:  How do I register a complaint?