Alternative Teacher Certification Program Overview
Program Overview
This program is designed to prepare candidates to obtain their certification in three academic semesters. All coursework is online, which includes three courses; one per semester. Our instructors are experienced teachers and administrators with advanced degrees and Texas educator’s certifications. Candidates meet face-to-face with our instructors in a virtual classroom once a week. Courses scheduled during the week meet from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. and Saturday classes and workshops are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Candidates successfully completing the first semesters are eligible for a one-year paid internship. Our program cost is competitive and priced per semester. Applicants may qualify for a TEACH Grant to help cover program costs. Candidates have three years to complete the program.
Pathway To Teacher Certification in Texas
To become a certified teacher in Texas through our Alternative Teacher Certification Program:
Step One: Apply
Step Two: Complete Phase I:
- ATCP 456 Curriculum and Methodology – In this course you will complete the preparation coursework in (a minimum of 150 clock hours)
- Conduct your Field Based Experience Observations (a total of 30 clock hours )
- Pass your content exam(s).
Step Three: Complete a paid 1-year internship in content area (consecutive semesters-without interruption).
Phase II & III: ATCP: 476A and 476B Teaching Intern Seminar I
- In each course you will complete the coursework in (a minimum of 90 clock hours for each phase).
- During Phase Receive a proficiency rating in all observations and principal’s evaluations.
- Phase III: ATCP476B Teaching Internship Seminar II
- Phase III: Mid-semester, pass your PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) exam.
Step Four: Apply to Texas Education Agency (TEA) for your initial standard teacher (educator certification) in your content area.
ATCP COMPLETION TIMELINE
ATCP Application, Admission, Registration, Advisory, Customer Service, and Certification services are managed through the Center for Adult and Continuing Education.
| Fall 2024 CohorYYt | Status | Start Date | Pass Content Exam | End Date |
| Phase I: Fall 2024 | Candidate | Late August | Mid-November | December |
| Phase II: Spring 2025 | Paid Internship I | January | Mid-April | May |
| Phase III: Fall 2025 | Paid Internship II | August | Mid-November | December |
| Spring 2025 Cohort | Status | Start Date | End Date | End Date |
| Phase I: Spring 2025 | Candidate | January | Mid-April | May |
| Phase II: Fall 2025 | Paid Internship I | August | Mid-November | December |
| Phase III: Spring 2026 | Paid Internship II | January | Mid-April | May |
ATCP Cost And Students Financial Obligations And Responsibilities
| Phases | Courses | Credits | Cost Per Semester |
| Phase I | ATCP456 Curriculum and Methodology | 6 | $2,000.00 |
| Phase II | ATCP476A Teaching Internship 1st Semester | 6 | $2,000.00 |
| Phase III: | TCP476A Teaching Internship 2nd Semester | 6 | $2,000.00 |
| Extended Semester | ATCP490 Extended Teaching Internship Semester each Semester | 0 | $1,000.00 |
| Other University’s Fees | |||
| HT Application Fee (When applicable) | $ 25.00 | ||
| ATCP Application Fee | $ 100.00 | ||
| Course Resources: Textbooks/Testing Material: Testing Subscription $50.00 per testing area Testing area: All Content Areas EC-12, STR Content, and PPR |
$ 50.00 | ||
| Internships 30 Miles Outside of the Austin Area |
$ 200.00 | ||
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