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Overview
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ACP), Practitioner Reflection-Based Educator Preparation Academy (PREP-A), provides a path to initial teacher certification for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree. PREP-A offers initial certification for secondary/high school teaching areas of English, Social Studies, History, Math, Life Science, and Science (7-12 grade levels).
The framework for PREP-A stands on the premise that effective preparation centers on teaching practice and reflection, along with guided scaffold analysis, aimed at bridging theory and practice. Through cyclical learning opportunities of practicing with authentic and relevant K-12 classroom inquiry and reflection, teacher candidates become equipped to develop as reflective practitioners. Effective teaching is a complex process requiring essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and the ability to examine teaching and learning to increase student achievement.
Teacher candidates will work together to answer authentic classroom-context-situated questions about teaching to improve student learning. By engaging in personal pursuits of classroom-based inquiries, teacher candidates seek answers to real issues and strengthen solution-based habits of focusing on positive student learning outcomes.
The program includes a PREP-A Induction Camp consisting of three courses, training sessions, and an action research project, including a yearlong residency/internship with additional courses and training. The program focuses on four inquiry-based themes: Teaching as Professional Practice for Social Change, Purposeful Instructional Planning, Culturally Responsive Instruction and Assessment, and Positive Learning Environment. This framework should be a starting point in the context of a school-based, reflection-based inquiry in which the teacher candidate develops a strong foundation in the following:
Admission requirements for this program beyond University admission requirements
Admission to the program requires admission to the University and the teacher preparation program. All admission requirements are in accordance with Texas Administrative Code rules §227.10, §228.40. §230.11. §233, and the HEA Title II accountability requirements. All applicants must meet the current certification requirements at the time of admission. The ACP admission requirements are:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education verified through an official transcript from the accredited university. A bachelor's degree in the subject area in which certification is sought.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75; may be verified as posted on an official transcript from an accredited university or in the last 60 semester hours of coursework attempted.
- Interview.
- Criminal Background Check. Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. Pursuant to the TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching/internship.
For international applicants:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education (with transcripts evaluated by an approved foreign evaluation service). The degree held by an applicant from another country must be, at a minimum, equivalent to a baccalaureate degree issued by an institution of higher education in the United States accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. §245.1 (b).
Internship or Yearlong Clinical Teaching
Internship Option
Candidates must be eligible for an Intern or Probationary Certificate. Intern teachers are employed as teachers of record, with full salary and benefits. Intern teachers are responsible for securing their own teaching position for the school year with an accredited Texas public school.
Students are eligible for hire when they have passed the content TExES test (s) even if the student is still completing coursework. During the teaching internship, an intern is certified with an Intern or Probationary Certificate and is enrolled in the program. Throughout the intern year, an on-site mentor teacher and University field supervisor provide coaching and support.
Yearlong Clinical Teaching Option
Teacher candidates are not employed as teachers and do not typically receive a salary and benefits. Residents are placed in an appropriate classroom working under the supervision of an experienced mentor teacher.
Course List
EDUC 3301 The Teaching Profession and Student Learning in Contemporary Schools
EDUC 3302 Knowledge of Student Development and Learning
EDUC 3304 Instructional Planning and Assessment in Culturally Sustaining Classrooms
EDUC 3306 Evidence-Based Teaching in Positive Learning Environments
READ 4305 Disciplinary Literacy in the Classroom