Alternative Teacher Certification Program Overview
Program Overview
Our online Alternative Teacher Certification Program uses a student cohort model designed for the adult learner who has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher and needs the flexibility to have a full-time job and complete their requirements for earning an initial teacher certification. All courses are facilitated by highly qualified instructors who meet with the class in a virtual classroom once a week from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., Saturday classes and workshops are from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The HT ATCP is designed to be completed within 15 months, which includes a one-year paid internship; however, candidates have three years to complete the program. ATCP Application, Admission, Registration, and Certification Services are managed through the Center for Adult and Continuing Education. Once all requirements are completed (including all required tests, course work, and fees paid) candidates will apply to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for their Standard Texas Teacher Certification.
The Accountability System for all Educator Preparation Programs at Huston-Tillotson is accredited by the State of Texas.
Teacher Certification in Texas
To become a certified teacher in Texas through our Teacher Certification program, an individual must:
- Have previously earned a bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrate competency in the basic skills of reading, writing, mathematics, and area of certification
- Complete each of the three phrases of the HT teacher certification program
- Complete a paid 1-year internship (consecutively semesters)
- Pass state certification examinations in both content and pedagogy
- Apply to the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- Be recommended by the certification program’s certification officer
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ATCP Completion Schedule
| Fall 2023 Cohort | Status | Start Date | Pass Content Exam | End Date |
| Phase I: Fall | Candidate | August 2023 | Mid-November 2023 | December 2023 |
| Phase II: Spring | Paid Internship I | January 2024 | Mid-April 2024 | May 2024 |
| Phase III: Fall | Paid Internship II | August 2024 | Mid-November 2023 | December 2024 |
| Spring 2024 Cohort | Status | Start Date | Pass Content Exam | Phase I: Spring |
| Phase I: Spring | Candidate | January 2024 | Mid-April 2025 | Phase II: Fall |
| Phase II: Fall | Paid Internship I | August 2024 | Mid-November 2025 | Phase III: Spring |
| Phase III: Spring | Paid Internship II | January 2025 | Mid-April 2026 | May 2026 |
ATCP Online Cost
| Phases | Courses | Credits | Cost Per Semester |
| Phase I (All Semesters) | ATCP456 Curriculum and Methodology | 6 Credit Hours | $2,000.00 |
| Phase II (Fall /Spring) | ATCP476A Teaching Internship 1st Semester | 6 Credit Hours | $2,000.00 |
| Phase III: (Fall /Spring) | TCP476A Teaching Internship 2nd Semester | 6 Credit Hours | $2,000.00 |
| Extended Semester | ATCP490 Extended Teaching Internship Semester | 0 Credit Hours | $1,000.00 |
| Financial Aid |
