All Rio Grande Valley corps members become certified to teach within one year. They must enroll in an alternative certification program during their first year of teaching. This year, all Rio Grande Valley corps members are receiving Texas certification through Project P.a.C.E. (Preparing and Certifying Educators), an independent, state-certified program.
The Project P.a.C.E. certification process mainly involves a year-long literacy seminar, which is designed to enhance literacy instruction in all grade levels and content areas. Along with these seminars, corps members are observed by a Project P.a.C.E. supervisor and a school-based mentor teacher. The average time commitment for Project P.a.C.E. is approximately four hours per month for a year. The cost of the certification program is approximately $3,195, which is usually deducted from paychecks on a monthly basis.
For certification, corps members must also pass a state exam for teachers (TExES) in their content area during the Teach For America summer training institute, and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam during their first year of teaching. Together, these tests cost approximately $164. Applicants assigned to the Rio Grande Valley receive more information about certification and required exams once they are accepted. In addition to certification, two percent of corps members go on to obtain a master's degree from the University of Texas - Pan America (UTPA) following their completion of alternative certification. The cost of the master's program is $9,500 (for non-Texas residents) or $2,500 (for Texas residents), and coursework can be completed in two years.
| Costs to Begin Teaching |
|---|
| Testing: $82 |
| Processing: $40-50 |
| Fingerprinting: $40-60 |
| Probationary Certificate Fee : $52 |
| Costs to Maintain Emergency Credential |
|---|
| Program Costs: $3,195 Testing: $82 Standard Certificate Fee: $77 |
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