Alternative Teacher Certification
McLennan Community College's Alternative Teacher Certification program is accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification SBEC/Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Upon successful completion of MCC's program and state mandated certification exams, individuals will be certified to teach in Texas schools. The program trains individuals with a bachelor's degree who desire to enter the teaching profession.
Admission Requirements
Applicants seeking Texas alternative teacher certification at MCC must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Schedule meeting with Ronnie Massey, Assistant Program Director, to assess college transcripts, GPA and certification goals (bring a copy of your final college transcript for review). Potential graduates in their last semester of study may submit an application. If your bachelor’s degree is from another country, you must pass the TOEFL. Foreign transcripts should be evaluated. A list of acceptable organizations which can evaluate foreign transcripts can be found at http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/certinfo/forcredevalservice.asp.
- 2.5 GPA on last 60 hours toward bachelor's degree or cumulative GPA.
- Passing scores on the TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE—THEA ( Reading – 230; Mathematics – 230; and Writing – 220), ACCUPLACER (Reading Comprehension – 78; Elementary Algebra – 63; Sentence Skills – 80; and Written Essay- 6) ASSET: (Reading Skills - 41; Elementary Algebra - 38; Writing Skills (objective) - 40; and Written Essay – 6); COMPASS: (Reading Skills - 81; Algebra - 39; Writing Skills (objective) - 59; and Written Essay – 6) or being exempt from THEA under the provisions of the Texas Success Initiative in 2002 or passing the required State Content Exam
According to Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Subchapter A, Rule 230.5, anyone seeking admittance to an approved teacher preparation program must be assessed for college level skills in reading, oral and written communication and mathematics.
The applicant who meets these criteria will need to complete the following:
- Application
- official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- application fee ($40)
- three (3) professional references
- interview (Students entering the bilingual certification will need to interview both in English and Spanish. The student must also pass the TOPT test to be certified.) suggested resume form
Important: Effective August 1, 2007, once an individual is accepted into the MCC Alternative Teacher Certification program, he/she has five years from the date of acceptance to complete the program. If the individual has not completed the certification program within the five years, he/she will need to reapply into the program. In addition, the Program Director can drop students from the program in less than the five-year period if the student is not demonstrating progress in his/her certification.
Acceptance
Applicants who complete the admission requirements and meet the academic qualifications for the certification specialization they have chosen will be invited to schedule an interview.
Once the interview has been completed, all references checked, all transcripts received and reviewed, a decision will be made concerning the student's acceptance into the program.
When admitted to the program, the student will complete the following courses:
- Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (all-level, secondary, middle, or elementary) This course covers the theory and practice of Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities. Preparation for the Texas State Exams will be emphasized in this class. These courses cover the theory and practices essential to good teaching methods, as practiced by Texas’ best teachers. In addition, the practical classroom aspects are observed, studied and debated.
- Content area teaching methods - Each certification area will require a different content area specialization class. Each content class includes at least six (6) hours of test preparation and some hours of observation at the schools.
- Internship - once a student has secured a position as a teacher in a school system, the student must enroll in the next Internship class. The student becomes the teacher of record for the class, drawing district pay as a teacher (amount may depend on certification in some districts.)
The student must retake a class if a grade of "B" or better is not received in the Alternative Teacher Certification Program.
Certification
Once an applicant is accepted into MCC's Alternative Teacher Certification Program and has a teaching position, the student must apply for Probationary Certification whether or not the public/private school district requires such certification. Students must apply for certification with the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). After successfully completing the Internship class, passing all necessary examinations, and meeting all MCC requirements, the student will want to apply for full standard certification. Students must provide the program with written documentation for all observation and professional development hours.
ATC FAQ
- What is the cost of the MCC – ATC program?
It depends on the content selected for certification. The range is from a total of $4150 - $4700 plus state cost which include $52 for probationary certificate, $47 for required fingerprinting, $77 for standard certificate and $120 for each mandated state exam taken. Various textbooks required by instructors are an extra cost. - How long does the program take to complete?
The average time required to complete the program is between a year to a year and a half; the main factor is when the internship is obtained. - Do you help to find jobs for your ATC students?
Although we cannot guarantee a position with a school district, we do everything we can to assist a student to find a teaching position. Our office assist in informing students of teaching job openings, making phone calls to principals and HR directors, participating in local job fairs to aid and assist our candidates and providing any additional assistance as needed. - I am already a certified teacher, do I have to go through your certification program to get certified in another area?
No, you may obtain additional certification(s) by examination. However, MCC does offer our classes to certified teachers who would like to take our content class to assist them in preparing for additional certification areas. - Will my certification be accepted from or in another state?
Not necessarily; most states outside Texas will require you to submit your certification credentials to their state agency for review and evaluations. In some cases, some additional courses, tests, etc, may be required. - Can I use the completed MCC ATC reference forms for the school districts that I apply for jobs?
Most districts have their own reference process and require different reference forms; you are advised to check with the appropriate office at the district where you are applying. - I am an undergraduate, working on my Bachelor’s, what classes should I take to prepare me for the ATC program?
This will depend on the content in which you are seeking certification. Each case and situation is unique to the candidate. Interested individuals should call our office and schedule a time to talk to our office staff. Students may apply and be accepted into the program during their last semester of undergraduate degree work. - Can I take classes online?
We do not offer online classes because of the importance of direct teaching and group work. However, most of our classes are hybrid which consists in both face-to-face and online instruction. - When do I apply for probationary and / or standard certification?
You apply for a probationary certificate when you have secured a teaching position with an accredited public/private school. You apply for standard certification when you have completed the program by passing all state required exams in your content certification, taking both your pedagogy and content classes and successfully completed two semesters of internship. An additional semester(s) may be required if standard certification is not completed and the student is probationary certified while attempting to complete all the requirements for certification. - How do I renew my probationary certificate?
You will access your SBEC online account and apply to have your probationary certificate extended for another year. - What is the number of years I can teach on a probationary certificate under current state regulations?
You can teach three years with a probationary certificate. - How do I register for my state mandated exams?
You must email Fay Gutierrez, Program Director, at fgutierrez@mclennan.edu and request approval to test. Your email should include the test you would like to take and the TEA ID Number that SBEC assigned to you. After approval is granted, you can go to the testing website at http://www.texes.ets.org and register for the test. - How do I set up my SBEC profile and set up and receive my TEA ID #?
You go to the SBEC website at http://www.sbec.state.tx.us:- locate Online Services for Educators on the main homepage and click on those words with your mouse.
- This directs you to Why should you create an account with SBEC?
- Click on the blue button entitled New Users? Create New Account.
- You will be directed to the Educator Account Search screen.
- Enter your Last Name
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- If you are not found in the search, you will be directed to the Educator Profile Setup screen.
- You will then complete or update all required fields. After you have completed all required fields, you will be directed to the Educator New Account Setup screen.
- You will create your unique User Name and Password. The user name and password must be at least 8 characters long, and can be numbers or letters. You will need to remember them as you will use them each time you login to the SBEC Online System.
- Once you have entered the user name and password, click Continue, and you will be directed to the Educator Main Menu, where you will be able to apply for certification, view certification records, view examination results, and find other useful information.
- What is the process of fingerprinting, cost involved, etc.?
It is highly recommended to utilize the Fingerprint Applicant Service of Texas (FAST), which is a Texas Department of Public Safety’s program that provides electronic capture and submission of your fingerprints through live scan technology. This is the fastest and highest quality option available (rejection rate for fingerprint quality is 2%). SBEC should receive a copy of your completed criminal history background from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigations in 3-5 days. If you choose the FAST option, you will be required to pay for your fingerprint fees ($42.25) electronically by credit (or debit) card or check and to have a working, individual email account. You will not be able to utilize FAST until you have paid your fingerprint fees online and received acknowledgement from SBEC of that payment. Once payment is received and confirmed you will receive an email from SBEC that will include detailed instructions on using the FAST service. Electronic submission of fingerprints replaces the process of recording an individual’s fingerprint patterns manually through a rolling process using ink and a standard 8” x 8” fingerprint card. This enables the electronic transfer of the fingerprint image data, in combination with personal descriptor information, to the Department of Public Service (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). This transfer of information takes place in a matter of seconds, instead of days required to send hard copy fingerprint cards through the U.S. mail. The total cost of fingerprinting is $47. - Who do I use for my professional references before entering the MCC ATC Program?
They need to be work related professional references. Clergy recommendations, college professors are also acceptable. You may not use a family member or close friend to complete the professional reference form required. - Is there Financial Aid available for ATC students?
In some cases financial aid may be available. In most cases, at this time, financial aid is not available. You are strongly advised to check with the financial aid office at MCC to obtain specific information as it relates to financial aid. There are some sources for loans. The website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/edex/loanforgive.html provides information regarding forgiveness loans. - How do I set up a payment plan in the business office?
There are forms and paperwork the college’s Business Office requires students to complete to set up a payment plan. Payment plans are available for the fall, spring and summers. You are advised to call the Business Office at 299-8627 to obtain the necessary information. - When do I take Internship 3? What is the purpose of an additional period of Internship?
Internship III is required if a student is not standard certified after the two semesters of internship. The purpose of additional internship time is for our program to continue to support our interns while they complete requirements for standard certification. This is done by providing additional observation time, required reflections each month and additional test preparation as required. - What do I do if I receive an "I" in a course while in the ATC program?
You need to check with your instructor and arrange ways to make up work that is not done which caused the “I” to be given. Incomplete grades must be changed by the end of the following semester the “I” was given or the grade turns to an "F". - How do I get my observation hours? How do I document them? What is acceptable and not? (Need to cite rule w/examples as provided by TEA)
Up to 15 of the required 30 hours may be technology related and must integrate the following: authentic classrooms in a public school accredited by TEA or a TEA – recognized private school, instruction by content certified teachers, actual students in classrooms with identity proof provisions, content or grade level specific classrooms, variable time length of observation and reflections of the observation. The observation requirement should encompass a variety of experiences to make a candidate “classroom ready”. Self Reflection should also be included. Appropriate activities may include substitute teaching, small group tutoring, time toward specific teacher skills (questioning techniques, classroom management, offering praise, etc). Paraprofessional time may also be included. Candidates must document date, hours, location, activity and the signature of an administrator or teacher. (TAC Rule 228.35) Documentation for these hours must be provided by the student to the Alternative Teacher Certification office to be kept in the student folder. - What is the procedure for dropping a class I have already signed up for?
If you wish to drop a class you have signed up for and the class has not yet begun, contact Marcia Pezzano at (254) 299-8063 to withdraw from the class. If the class has begun, contact Fay Gutierrez at (254) 299-8067 and request to be dropped from the class. - How do I meet the highly-qualified provision under "No Child Left Behind"?
For secondary (7-12) areas, you may use your college transcript showing 24 hours in a specific content. Composite Social Studies and Composite Science requirements differ. Other areas including Generalist EC-6, Generalist 4-8, and Special Education require that you pass the state content exam before you are highly qualified. Call the Alternative Teacher Certification office if you have a question regarding your status. - When I can seek additional certification?
As soon as you are standard certified and complete all program requirements, you may on your own register and test in other areas to obtain additional certification. - What is the proper protocol when cancelling a scheduled visit by a supervising mentor?
You need to contact your appropriate Supervising Mentor by telephone and NOT by email to let them know of your situation. Please give as much notice as possible to your Supervising Mentor. - Why is it necessary to meet with the Assistant Director for a preliminary meeting prior to entrance into the program?
Every prospective student and situation is different. A complete review of your transcript is done, reference forms are printed, an individualized scenario is prepared showing progression of classes, internship, etc. Program cost, certificates and placement test and/or exemptions are also discussed. You may contact Ronnie Massey at (254) 299-8061 or Marcia Pezzano at (254) 299-8063 to schedule an appointment. - Can I be accepted into the program prior to receiving my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can apply and be accepted to the program during your last semester before you receive your bachelor’s degree. - Doest the MCC ATC program offer certification for Principals and/or Superintendents?
No. The University Center at MCC offers these certifications. You may contact Dr. Lewis Snell at (254) 299-8378 or Annette Scott at (254) 299-8380 for information.