According to Texas state law, any uncertified teacher must be enrolled in an Alternative Certification Program (ACP) in order to enter the classroom. These programs have received state accreditation to oversee the training and certification of inexperienced teachers.
All Houston corps members are required to participate in an Alternative Certification Program (ACP), in which they become certified in one year. Houston corps members gain teaching certification by participating in the ACP determined by their district. After completing all requirements of ACP, corps members receive a five-year Texas Teaching Certificate.
ACP supports corps members in the certification process in several ways: it provides training and study sessions for the state certification exams; it matches mentors and supervisors who observe and meet with participants regularly; and, it creates opportunities for participants to observe master teachers both on and off their campuses. HISD’s ACP includes a college coursework component, which allows corps members to take between three and five courses at the University of St. Thomas specific to their content and certification area.
Certification costs range from $4,900 to $6,700, which can be deducted from corps members' paychecks. Additionally, corps members have the opportunity to begin a master's program at a local university during the second year of their commitment. Houston corps members must also take and pass two required tests either during or before the Teach For America summer training institute in order to qualify to teach. Applicants assigned to teach in Houston will receive more information about these tests once accepted.
| Costs to Begin Teaching |
|---|
| Testing: $120-240 |
| Processing: $200 |
| Up-front Certification Program Cost: $300 |
| Costs to Maintain Emergency Credential |
|---|
| Costs incurred prior to fall teaching: $190-310 (approximately) |
| Costs incurred over the course of the first year of teaching (via payroll deduction): $3,200-$5,900 |
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