Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can enroll in the HCDE ACP program?

Applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Call for further requirements.

 

2. When can I enroll in the ACP program?

Applications are taken year-round. Pre-service trainings are done during Fall, Winter and Spring.

 

3. How can I get started?

Call Lidia Zatopek at HCDE, 713-696-0775 to request information. You can also fill out a preliminary application online and fax it to 713-696-0723.

 

4. What do I need to submit before I can be considered for an interview?

  • Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
  • Official scores from your THEA test
  • Completed application
  • Non–refundable $100.00 application fee

5. What is required for acceptance into the ACP program?

  • An application fee of $100
  • An official transcript from each university attended including the university that awarded your degree.
  • THEA scores or evidence of exemption: Math 230; Reading 230; Writing 220 or evidence of successful completion of math and language proficiency.
  • Clear criminal background check
  • Successful interview
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional sources, i.e., employers, supervisors, teachers, professors, or school administrators. These must be submitted with the application.
  • A completed application
  • Resume

6. What is the cost?

Total program cost is $4500; this includes a $100 application fee, $500 pre-service fee, $500 Summer Curriculum Institute fee and $3400 Internship fee. In addition, the following fees apply and must be paid by the applicant:

  • $52.00 for a one year Texas Probationary Certificate required for employment as an intern with a local school district
  • $47.00 fingerprinting fee paid to be paid when applying for the Texas Probationary Certificate.
  • $120.00 for each licensing exam paid to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Each participant must take the teaching field TExES exam and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) TExES exam.
  • $77.00 standard certification fee upon program completion, paid to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

7. When does the final $3400.00 have to be paid?

This fee will be deducted from your first years salary in ten (10) monthly installments of $340.00 each.

 

8. What is included in the internship fee?

  • The program and its administration
  • Follow-up during your internship
  • On-going traingins
  • Field supervision and support

9. When does the program begin?

Please call 713-696-0775 for the latest information.

 

10. What is the deadline for applying?

One week before the Orientation session for pre-service training.

 

11. Where will the classes meet?

The classes will meet at 6300 Irvington in the Harris County Department of Education, unless otherwise arranged.

 

12. What are the hours of the classes?

6–9 PM evenings

8 AM-3 PM Saturdays

 

13. Where can I get information about the TExES?

www.texes.ets.org

 

14. When can I take the TExES test?

You must take the TExES test in your field upon acceptance to the ACP program during the pre-service period. You will wait to take the TExES PPR test until the Spring semester of your first year of internship.

 

15. How do I get a probationary certificate?

After you are enrolled in the program, talk with the director. You will need to meet the "highly qualified" requirements under NCLB before you are eligible to accept a job offer and get a probationary certificate.

 

16. Do I have to pass the state test before I get a probationary certificate?

Yes.

 

 

Information is subject to change. For any recent changes you may check with:

Lidia Zatopek
lzatopek@hcde-texas.org
713-696-0775

 

 

 

Copyright© 2007 Harris County Department of Education