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?

To begin teaching in the 2010-2011 school year enroll before June 1, 2010.

 

3. How can I get started?

Call Bill Snead at HCDE, 713.696.1316 or 713.478.4100 or call Serlynthia Chatmon at 713.696.0790 to request information. You can also fill out a preliminary application online.

 

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
  • Appropriate score on TeacherInsight instrument

6. What is the cost?

$4400 for participants plus a $100 application 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 (June 2006) and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) TExES exam.
  • $77.00 certification fee upon program completion, paid to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

7. When does the final $4400.00 have to be paid?

This fee will be deducted from your first years salary in ten (10) monthly installments of $440.00 each.

 

8. What is included in the fee?

  • The program and its administration
  • Follow-up during your internship

9. When does the program begin?

The next institute begins October 13, 2009 and ends November 19, 2009.

 

10. What is the deadline for applying?

June 1 of each year.

 

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

9-4 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 immediately upon acceptance to the ACP program. 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 administrator. If you are eligible, you will be issued an official state form that informs a district that you can obtain a probationary certificate upon employment as a teacher.

 

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

No, but districts will want evidence of passing the subject matter portion of the TExES test before they will offer you a job. It makes you “highly qualified” under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the State of Texas.

 

17. Does the program include Texas Beginning Educator Support System (TxBESS) training?

Yes

 

18. Do I have to live in the state of Texas to participate in the teacher certification program?

No, BUT the certification will be Texas certification. You will need to determine if that is useful for you.

 

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

Bill Snead
bsnead@hcde-texas.org
713.696.1316 or 713.478.4100

 

 

 

Copyright© 2007 Harris County Department of Education