What should I do if my degree is from a university outside the United States?
A course-by-course transcript evaluation and grade-point average (GPA) calculation from an acceptable transcript evaluation company must accompany the application if any courses on the transcript(s) are from a foreign university. Evaluations are the responsibility and the expense of the individual applicant. Evaluations must include the educational degree equivalencies. Following is a list of education evaluation services. The list does not imply endorsement of any of the listed services. Evaluations from the international admissions office at an accredited university are also acceptable. (Special circumstances regarding foreign transcripts will be addressed on an individual basis.)

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P. O. Box 13006
College Station, Texas 77841-6006
(979) 690-8912
Foreign Credential Service of America
1910 Justin Lane
Austin, Texas 78757-2411
(512) 459-8428

Additional evaluation service providers available upon request.

When do I have to take and pass the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA)?
THEA test dates can be obtained by calling any College/University. Applicants must pass each area of the THEA with minimum scores of Math (230), Reading (250), & Writing (220) prior to acceptance into the program or have met exemption requirements.

What are the specific requirements for each subject area?

Bilingual Generalist (EC-4 or 4-8):
24 semester hours in a combination of subjects taught in the elementary school, which must include English, mathematics, a natural science, and a subject in the social studies, with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 system
Demonstrate oral and written Spanish and English proficiency

Generalist (EC-4 or 4-8):
24 semester hours in a combination of subjects taught in the elementary school, which must include English, mathematics, a natural science, and a subject in the social studies, with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 system

Generic Special Education (EC-12):
24 semester hours in a combination of subjects taught in the elementary school, which must include English, mathematics, a natural science, and a subject in the social studies, with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 system


Secondary Education (4-8, 8-12 & 6-12):

Once accepted, what is the cost of the program?
Application fee (nonrefundable): $100
THEA Test: $29 (written) or $85 (computer administered)
TPCP program fee: $4500 - ($900 due during preservice training, $3600 salary deducted during internship)
Probationary Certification Fee: $52
Fingerprinting Fee: $47
TExES and TOPT (2 to 4 tests @ $82 each)
SBEC Standard Certification Fee: $77
University Tuition online courses, etc. (6 hours): $800 (approx.)

Once employed, $3600 will be deducted from monthly paychecks to pay for training and supervision. University fees are paid directly to Stephen F. Austin State University or the University of Texas at Tyler. Please note that all fees are subject to change.

What are the course requirements prior to classroom assignments?
For each certification area, six hours of course work will be taken at either Stephen F. Austin State University or the University of Texas at Tyler during the Summer I Semester. Generalists and Special Education interns will take online courses through Region VII.

Once I have completed the pre-assignment training, what kind of support will I receive in my school?
The Region VII ESC ACP program staff and intern field supervisor will provide ongoing support. In addition, you will be assigned a support team of a campus principal, mentor teacher, a central office supervisor, and an ESC staff person.

Does Region VII place interns with school districts?
No. After acceptance into the TPCP, each applicant is responsible for securing employment as a full-time teacher in the appropriate certification area with a participating Region VII school district. Please Note: Acceptance into the TPCP does not guarantee employment by a school district nor does employment by a school district guarantee acceptance as an intern into TPCP.

When do the regional schools hire for teaching positions?
Schools usually hire during May, June and July. Interns schedule an interview with the school district; districts do their own hiring. There are 96 public school districts throughout the 17 counties that make up Region VII. Some districts have openings that become available during the school year.

Will I be a “real” teacher? Yes. As an intern, a Probationary Certificate is issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). It carries with it all rights and responsibilities granted to Texas teachers.

What will my salary be as a first-year teacher intern?
Current state base minimum teacher’s salary for a ten-month contract with no experience is $24,240 for those with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate. That figure is subject to change each school year. Some districts pay above state base. Teacher interns will be paid according to a district’s payment schedule and are entitled to district benefits. The first check is usually issued at the end of September.

When should I quit my current job?
You may not receive a paycheck until the end of September of your internship year. You may want to continue working part-time in the summer. However, work cannot interfere with the training schedule.Training sessions in July will be daily 8:30 - 4:00.

When do I take the TExES for certification?
The exams are given in October, February, April, and June. You must pass all required TExES exams by the June administration in order to be recommended for certification by the end of the first year of internship. The cost is $82 for each exam. Information can be obtained at: www.texes.nesinc.com.

When will I be fully certified by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)?
Certification is awarded upon successful completion of Region VII's Alternative Certification Program.

Will this certificate be issued by the State of Texas and be valid statewide?
Yes. The certificate will be no different than certificates issued through other, more traditional, certification programs. You will receive a standard certificate that is renewable every five years.